2024 21 Day Fast Devotional — Day 1: Fasting Starts With the Heart
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21 (NASB)
Fasting is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual. Fasting is a humbling of the flesh, saying “no” to the earthly things we crave, in order to say “yes” to more of God.
Fasting is waiting on the Lord. It is fighting the temptations of the flesh. Fasting is leaning into our mission and trusting God for breakthrough. It is devoting our hearts to seeking God’s face. His glory is our aim. Fasting is an opportunity to devote extra time, extra energy, and extra focus to the Lord. During this 21-Day Fast, we pray that you be led by the Spirit, answering the enemy with “It is written” and saying “Yes, Lord” as you wait on Him!
There is no “formula fast” or one “right” way. Fasting is about the condition of the heart. Our goal in fasting is to create closer intimacy with the Father. While fasting in the Bible generally involves the abstention of food, some choose to fast from something such as social media, TV or the internet.
But the primary aspect of fasting is that it always makes room for an increased life of prayer; without the increase of prayer, a fast is merely a diet.
One way we can learn to pray is by looking at the prayer life of Jesus. Although the Gospels don’t provide a detailed biography of Christ, they do offer captivating glimpses into His prayer life. Jesus prayed as an example to His followers. This is an example we continue to learn from.
Through His prayer life, we see what it means to truly depend on God.
Prayer and Reflection:
Pray about what God is calling you to fast during this time. Use this devotional guide as a way to learn first-hand what communion with God looked like for Jesus, and put into practice the principles of prayer we learn from His life. We hope this guide is only the beginning for you, and that it launches you into a life of prayer for 2024. As you diligently and faithfully fast and pray, you will see the blessing of God on every part of your life.