January 5-25, 2026
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Shared Experience
Through this shared YouVersion Plan, we will commit to setting aside our earthly appetites, making room to draw nearer to Jesus, and aligning our hearts to hear His voice.
Morning Prayer
Join us daily, Monday through Saturday, from 8:00–9:00 AM for a time of worship and corporate prayer, as we pray through the daily focuses and intercede for our church and community.
Encounter
Plan to be in the room on Sunday, January 25, at 6:00 PM, where we’ll gather in person to conclude our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting through a powerful time of united prayer and worship as we commit 2026 to God.
Pray First App
Within the Pray First App, you can access guided prayer plans, create a personal prayer list, and listen to worship songs that will enhance your experience. This free app, provided by Church of the Highlands is available to download in your app store.
First 15 App
A growing relationship with Jesus comes when you experience Him daily. First15 is a daily devotional that seeks to provide believers of all backgrounds with a unique connection with God in the first 15 minutes of their day.
Holy Here App
Holy Here exists to resource, equip, and mobilize believers for community transformation through strategic prayer. They desire to see every street, in every city, of every nation covered in prayer and filled with the knowledge of God.
What is a Fast?
The goal of fasting is to draw near to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose. Fasting is a way to express our desire for God and our holy discontent in a fallen world.
Remember, a personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
Why Should I Fast?
Simply put, fasting is choosing to say ‘no’ to something we love in order to create space for something we love evening more. Below are scriptural reasons why fasting is a vital discipline in a Christian’s life.
1. To humble ourselves to God. (Psalm 35:13, 1 Samuel 7:6, Ezra 9)
2. To draw closer to God. (James 4:8)
3. To understand God’s Word. (Ephesians 1:17-22)
4. To know God’s will or direction. (Acts 13:1-2)
5. To seek healing and freedom. (Isaiah 58, Matthew 17:21)
6. To seek God’s intervention. (2 Samuel 12:16-23, 2 Chronicles 20:3)
7. To intercede for others. (Daniel 9:3)
Different Types of Fasts.
There are many different kinds of fasts. The most important part of fasting is the time we spend with God in prayer. If we deny ourselves food and do not pray then we will accomplish nothing. The following types of fasts are simply references to what we can abstain from while we seek the Lord in prayer.
1. Full Fast
A full fast is going completely without food for the allotted time. There are at least four references in the Bible when people fasted food and water. However, we are only referencing food as a full fast for obvious reasons. If you choose to do a full fast then we recommend you consult with others prior to doing so, especially if you take any kind of medication.
2. Partial Fast
A partial fast is to simply go without a meal or two the day of your fast. For example, you could fast from dinner or lunch and spend an extended amount of time in prayer in place of that meal. There are no rules to this kind of fasting but you should decide beforehand what you will do and stick to it, as with all fasts.
3. Selective Fast
This kind of fast comes from Daniel chapter 10, where Daniel had a terrifying vision that caused him to abstain from all pleasant food and drink. If you choose to do this kind of fast then essentially you will be abstaining from all “meats, sweets and treats.” Most people stick to fruits, vegetables, and nuts or similar kinds of protein. There are many resources online that provide healthy options for this fast.
4. Soul Fast
This fast is a great option if you do not have much experience with fasting food, have health issues that prevent you from fasting food, or if you wish to refocus certain areas of your life that are out of balance. For example, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast and then carefully bring that element back into your life in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.
Practical Points of Fasting
1. Plan your fast.
What kind of fast? How long? Write your plan out!
2. Be specific with your fasting.
Know why you’re fasting. What are your objectives?
3. Plan your prayer time for each day.
When will you pray? Where will you pray?
4. Journal your fast.
Write out your prayer, reflections, and insights to reference later.
5. Seek Accountability.
It’s good to share what you’re doing with a trusted friend.
6. Stay hydrated.
Drink lots of water.
Encouragements
Be sure to follow us on Instagram for regular encouragements as we journey through this season together.
Share Your Story
We love hearing stories of how Jesus is changing lives. If God has been speaking to you and leading you on a journey closer to Jesus, we’d love to hear it so we can celebrate with you.
