Start Here: How to Recharge Your Prayer Life
Bible passage: Isaiah 40:28–31; Matthew 6:16–18
Welcome to Recharged
Thank you for joining our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting at the start of 2021. Our theme this year is one word: Recharged.
You know what happens to a phone that is used all day and never plugged in. The screen dims, everything slows down, and in the end it switches itself off. Nothing is wrong with the phone. It has simply been away from its source of power for too long.
Many of us feel like that after 2020. It was a year that took a great deal out of people. So we are beginning this year by coming back to the source. Isaiah says that those who trust in the Lord will find new strength (Isaiah 40:31). That is my prayer for you and for our church over these three weeks.
What Is Prayer?
Staying Connected
Prayer is talking with God and listening to Him. It is how we stay connected to the One who gives us life. You do not need special words or a special voice. You need an honest heart.
Talk to Him about everything. Paul tells us to bring every situation to God with thanksgiving, and he promises that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6–7).
Keep the line open. Paul also tells us never to stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That does not mean kneeling all day. It means carrying on the conversation while you work, cook, travel and rest.
Plan for it. Choose a time and a place where you will meet with God each day. What we do not plan, we rarely do.
Why Do We Fast?
Clearing the Way
Fasting means going without something for a time so that we can give our attention to God. All through the Bible, God’s people fasted when they needed to seek Him: Moses, David, Esther, Daniel, the early church and Jesus Himself. When Jesus taught about it He said “when you fast”, not “if you fast” (Matthew 6:16). He expected it to be a normal part of following Him.
Fasting does not twist God’s arm, and it does not earn His approval. It changes us. It quietens our other appetites so that our hunger for Him can grow. Nobody has to fast. We get to.
Four Ways to Fast
Liquids only. Water, perhaps with some juice, for a meal, a day or longer. If this is new to you, begin with one meal and build up.
Certain foods. Lay aside particular foods, such as meat, sweets and bread, and eat simply. This is often called a Daniel fast.
Part of the day. Eat nothing between set hours, for example from morning until mid-afternoon, or from sunrise to sunset.
Something other than food. Step away from social media, television, gaming or another habit, and give that time to God.
A note on health: if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or are not sure whether a food fast is safe for you, please speak to your doctor first or choose a non-food fast.
Before Day 1
Four Things to Settle
Know why you are fasting. Are you asking God for renewal, guidance, healing, grace for a hard situation or wisdom for a decision? Write down the two or three things that weigh most on your heart.
Choose your Bible reading. Each daily guide gives you a passage. You may also want to read one book of the Bible right through over the 21 days.
Let God search you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you have drifted and where you most need Him.
Come expecting. Hebrews 11:6 says that God rewards those who sincerely seek Him. If your faith feels small, borrow the prayer of the apostles and ask the Lord to increase it (Luke 17:5).
Each day you will find a Bible passage, a short reflection, some steps to take and a prayer. Keep a notebook beside you. Put on some worship music if it helps. Please do not let any of this become a burden. The aim is simply to enjoy talking with God again.
For the King and the Kingdom,
Pastor Ras
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for calling me to seek You as this year begins. I come as I am, tired in places and in need of You. Draw me close over these 21 days. Teach me to pray, give me grace to fast and open my ears to Your voice. Recharge my life, my home and our church with Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
Let us pray with you: send a prayer request.
Join one of our prayer meetings.
