21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
Our annual 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting takes place the first three weeks of January. We come together as a house to pray first and ask God to do what only He can do. Join us each weekday at the University Center for the Arts for powerful teaching, worship, and time to pray both individually and corporately. We believe prayer matters, so we join in with the prayer of Jesus, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
When:
When:
Week 1: January 2–5 | 6:30–7:30 a.m.
Week 2: January 8–12 | 12–1 p.m.
Week 3: January 15–18 | 5–6 p.m.
Finale: January 19 | 5-6 p.m.
Where:
Where:
University Center for the Arts
1400 Remington Street
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Fasting Guide
We LOVE the idea of fasting but HATE the practice of fasting. The main reasons are that we don’t like being hungry and we love food! But let’s not let these powerful temptations overshadow the value of going without what we want. When we can say no to food this translates to the ability to say no to other desires. Not all our wants are good for us, so it is important that we are able to say no. This isn’t just a self-discipline “no”, this is a grace-filled, God-inspired “no”. In Titus, the apostle Paul talks about how God is at work in this process.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-12)
The difficulty with this reorientation process is that our human nature and our culture cultivate a life that revolves around our wants and desires. I Peter 4:1-2 (Message) indicates that it is through suffering that we are able to strangle our selfishness.
Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.
So, in a society where we have so much, suffering isn’t always apparent. Fasting is a way to embrace suffering in our lives… Really, when we fast, something bigger is going on. We are physically demonstrating a spiritual reality. We are saying, “Our greatest hunger in life is God.”
The goal of fasting is to draw near to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also reminds us of what sustains our lives – JESUS. He is the bread of life, our living water! By going without food for a period of time we are doing more than starving ourselves, we are;
The following scriptures provide a picture of what the people of God have been doing for centuries to disconnect from distractions and seek God in their lives.
Though we have chosen to set aside a focused time of prayer as a church family a couple of times a year, you may also opt to fast at other times during the year as a part of your own spiritual formation. It is very typical to fast a single meal, or a whole day, or three days. The timing of your fast is not as important as the strength of your focus on Him as you fast.
Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your own body, know your options and most importantly, seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do. There are several types of fasts. How you choose to fast is between you and the Lord.
Whatever fast and length of time you choose, if you aren’t able to complete it, don’t be discouraged and give up, instead pick up from where you left off. Our hope is to embrace the spirit of fasting and not be discouraged by the letter of the law. Ready to go? Check out this fasting “starter kit” from our friends at Cru.
Resources
Books
Books
How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People
by Pete Grieg
Is prayer the most challenging area of your Christian journey? It doesn’t have to be. Pete Greig, one of the founders of 24-7 Prayer International, is passionate about introducing people to simple, honest, relevant conversations with God.
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
by Timothy Keller
Christians are taught in their churches and schools that prayer is the most powerful way to experience God. But few receive instruction or guidance in how to make prayer genuinely meaningful. In Prayer, renowned pastor Timothy Keller delves into the many facets of this everyday act.
Apps
Apps
Lectio for Families
LECTIO FOR FAMILIES is a daily, devotional resource to help you read the Bible and explore faith through conversation and prayer as a whole family together.