Start Here: How to Pray and Fast for 21 Days

Prayer
Written By Rasol Manouchehri

Bible passage: Psalm 34:14; John 14:27

Welcome to 21 Days of Shalom

Thank you for joining our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting at the start of 2022. This guide will help you get ready before Day 1.

Our theme for these three weeks is one Hebrew word: shalom. We normally translate it as “peace”, but it carries much more than that. Shalom speaks of wholeness, wellbeing, safety, rest and restoration. It describes a life, a home and a world put back together the way God intended.

That is what Jesus brought into the world. At His last meal with His friends He told them, “So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT) Whatever is shaking around you as this year begins, my prayer is that you will meet the Prince of Peace afresh in these 21 days.

What Is Prayer?

A Conversation, Not a Formula

Prayer is simply talking with God and listening to Him. It is not a technique to master. It is a relationship to enjoy.

Paul urges us not to be anxious about anything but to bring every need to God with thanksgiving, and he promises that God’s peace will stand guard over our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6–7). He also tells us to keep on praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That does not mean spending all day on our knees. It means keeping the conversation open.

  • Anywhere. You can pray at the sink, on the bus, at your desk or on a walk.

  • Any way. Out loud or silently, alone or with others, in your own words or with Scripture.

  • Any time. A prayer life is not measured in minutes. It is a way of living close to God.

Why Do We Fast?

Making Room for God

Fasting is one of the oldest practices in the Bible. Moses, David, Daniel, Esther, the early church and Jesus Himself all fasted. When Jesus taught on it, He began with the words “when you fast” (Matthew 6:16). He expected His followers to do it.

We do not fast to earn God’s approval. We already have it in Christ. We fast to clear away distractions and make room for more of His presence. Going without reminds us that we depend on Him for everything.

Four Ways to Fast

  • A complete fast. You take liquids only, usually water with some juice. Start gently, perhaps with one meal or one day a week.

  • A selective fast. You remove certain foods. The Daniel fast is a common example: no meat, sweets or bread, with water, fruit and vegetables.

  • A partial fast. You go without food for a set part of the day, such as sunrise to sunset or 6am to 3pm.

  • A non-food fast. You lay down something else that fills your time and attention, such as social media, television or gaming.

A note on health: if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or are unsure whether a food fast is safe for you, please speak to your doctor first or choose a non-food fast.

Five Steps Before You Begin

Get Ready on Purpose

  • Set some goals. What are you asking God to do in these 21 days? Be specific about your own life, your family and our church.

  • Feed on the Word. Replace what you give up with Scripture. Choose a book of the Bible or a reading plan and stay with it.

  • Open your life to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you most need Him to move. Often it is not God who has moved away. It is us.

  • Expect God to move. Anyone who comes to God must believe that He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). If your faith feels small, pray as the apostles did: “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).

  • Pray every day. Each daily guide gives you a Bible passage, a short reflection, some practical steps and a prayer. Keep a notebook beside you and write down what God says.

Do not let these 21 days become a burden. The aim is simple: to enjoy God, to hear His voice and to receive His peace.

For the King and the Kingdom,

Pastor Ras

Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for inviting me to seek You. As I begin these 21 days, quieten my heart and sharpen my hunger for You. Give me grace to pray, strength to fast and ears to hear Your voice. Let Your shalom fill my life, my home and our church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep going

Rasol Manouchehri
Previous

Day 1: Shalom Begins with Forgiveness