JOIN US FOR 21 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING

JANUARY 6-26TH 2025

We are excited about what God is going to do in your life during the next 21 days. We say this often, but at New Life, we believe that “prayer should be the first response, not the last resort.”

Our goals for the next 21 days is to Seek, Surrender, & Strengthen

While prayer does take commitment and can require discipline to develop into a daily habit, we also want to remember that it’s a “get to” not a “got to.” It’s a privilege to be able to come to God in prayer!

Why 21 days?

Prayer changes everything!

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...Matthew 6:33

A few tips as you prioritize prayer & fasting over the next 21 days…

Prayer is most effective when it isn’t something we do every now and then, but when it’s a lifestyle we cultivate. To understand how to have a lifestyle of prayer, we can look at the example Jesus gave during His life on earth.

Have A Certain Time
Jesus got up early in the morning to spend time with His Heavenly Father. Make a daily appointment with God — whether it’s first thing in the morning, at lunch, or in the evening — and faithfully keep it.

Have A Certain Place
Jesus had a specific place He went to pray. Having a designated place to pray helps us remove distractions and frees us to worship and pray out loud.

Have A Certain Plan
When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He gave them
a prayer outline. We call it “The Lord’s Prayer.” Our desire is for this resource to be a guide for your time with God. As we pray every day, consider incorporating some worship music, or additional time to read the Bible or journal. Not everyone’s approach will look the same, but it does help to have a plan for connecting regularly with God!

Prayer Focus

  1. My Family

2. My Community

3. My Church

Tools for your journey

Join the Conversation

CONFERENCE CALL: (605)313-5881

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SATURDAY NIGHT PRAYER

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6:00PM ON SATURDAYS

Fasting Options & Tips

Daniel Fast

Overview: Inspired by Daniel 1:12-15 and Daniel 10:2-3, this fast involves abstaining from rich foods. Instead, participants focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and water.

Permitted Foods: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, water.

Restricted Foods: Meat, dairy, sweets, processed foods, caffeine.

Purpose: To focus on spiritual clarity and humility by simplifying diet.

Partial Fast

Overview: Also known as a time-restricted fast, participants fast during specific hours of the day (e.g., from sunrise to sunset) and eat only during designated times.

Example: Skipping breakfast and lunch but eating a simple dinner.

Purpose: To train the body and mind in self-control while maintaining energy for daily tasks.

Social Media or Digital Fast

Overview: Participants abstain from social media, entertainment, or digital distractions.

Purpose: To reclaim focus, reduce mental clutter, and spend more time in prayer, Bible reading, or meditation.

Alternative Activities: Journaling, reading Scripture, or engaging in quiet reflection.

Water-Only Fast

Overview: Drinking only water for a set period. This is typically for shorter durations and requires preparation and consultation if prolonged.

Purpose: To fully surrender physical cravings to seek spiritual renewal.

Caution: Ensure this is done safely, especially for health reasons.

Juice Fast

Overview: Similar to a water fast, but participants drink only fresh vegetable or fruit juices.

Purpose: To cleanse the body while maintaining some nutrients and energy for prayer and worship.

Intermittent Fast

Overview: Alternating between periods of eating and fasting, such as fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window.

Purpose: To create discipline in meal times, allowing for intentional prayer during fasting hours.

Set Clear Intentions

Identify a personal or spiritual goal for the fast (e.g., deeper relationship with God, clarity for a decision, or interceding for others).

Establish a Daily Routine

Dedicate specific times each day for prayer, Bible study, and reflection. Create a quiet space for these moments to minimize distractions.

Stay Hydrated

If fasting from food, ensure you drink plenty of water to stay energized and maintain focus.

Use a Devotional or Prayer Guide

Follow a structured daily devotional, scripture reading plan, or prayer journal to keep your mind on God’s Word.

Incorporate Worship and Praise

Listen to praise & worship music to stay spiritually uplifted throughout the day.

Journal Your Journey

Write down prayers, thoughts, or insights daily. Reflect on how God is speaking to you or revealing Himself during the fast.

Seek Accountability and Community

Share your journey with a trusted friend or group who can encourage you, pray with you, and hold you accountable.

Be Gentle with Yourself

If you falter, don’t give up. Refocus and continue. Remember, the fast is about the heart’s posture, not perfection.

Meditate on Scripture

Memorize and meditate on verses related to fasting, surrender, and God’s promises (e.g., Isaiah 58:6-9, Matthew 6:16-18).

Serve Others

Use the time or energy saved during the fast to serve in your community or church, enhancing the spirit of humility and love.