a 21 day prayer & fast.
Each January we invite our church family and others to participate in a prayer and fast with the intent of deepening our relationship with God. 21 Days of Prayer is a partial fast recognized as an effective means to receive direction for our lives as we begin the new year. Fasting itself is a spiritual discipline which provides an avenue for us to renew our spiritual commitment to serve God’s purpose for our lives.
The goal of fasting is to become more sensitive to the voice of God in our everyday lives. We do this by dedicating more time to spend with Him in prayer and Bible reading each day and by refraining from certain foods. When the fast is over, we should discover a new strength to overcome the cravings that may seem to control our lives at times.
Dear Refuge Family,
As we look back on 2025, I’m filled with gratitude for all that God has done among us during our Year of Invitation: Come & See. We’ve seen hearts respond to His call, families gather, and lives touched by the love of Jesus.
In 2026, I believe He is now calling us into the next season, A Year of Formation: Stay & Grow Our 2026 theme is focused on what happens after we accept the invitation of Christ. Formation is the process of being shaped into the likeness of Jesus, not by our strength, but by His Spirit. Formation is releasing our control and letting God mold our hearts, renew our minds, and guide our steps.
Formation takes time, patience, and intentionality. Each day, God invites us to stay at His table, to be nourished by His Word, to grow in community, and to be shaped for the mission He has for us. When He is forming us, we are being equipped to love others, serve faithfully, and live in a way that points people to Him.
To help us enter into this year with intention, I want to invite you to our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting this January. This has long been a time in our church to seek God’s guidance, deepen our faith, and draw closer to Him through intentional prayer, Scripture reading, and fasting.
During these 21 days, each day will have a prayer focus, scripture, reflection, and prayer prompt to help guide you. The goal is simple: to let God shape your heart, refine your character, and draw you nearer to Him.
I encourage you to take this journey seriously. Carve out time each day to spend with God. Pray. Meditate on His Word. Listen for His voice. And as you do, allow Him to do the work only He can do. He transforms us you into His likeness, which equips us to serve, and sends you out to share His love with the world.
We are entering 2026 strong and expectant of all that God is going to do at Refuge. We want to be a people who stay and grow in Christ, allowing Him to shape us, feed us, and prepare us to be His hands and feet in our families, workplaces, and communities.
“God does nothing apart from PRAYER and everything through it.”
21 days of prayer is designed to restrict normal food intake by cutting away many of the foods we commonly eat to satisfy our appetites. As we begin to fast, we replace the time and focus that we place on food and meals, to attention and growth in our spiritual life.
Not only are there physical benefits to fasting, there are spiritual benefits as well. Fasting was important in the life of the early church among believers and is still important in the church today to deepen our relationship with God.
For 21 Days of Prayer we use what is known as the “Daniel Fast,” following the guidelines for fasting described in the book of Daniel. Those with physical professions, etc. may add fish for additional protein. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast where some foods are eaten while others are restricted. We follow this method of fasting for 21 consecutive days.
Please remember that this prayer and fast is completely voluntary. We recommend that those with medical conditions consult a medical professional before beginning the fast.
We also strongly encourage separate consideration for children who participate. Fasting is a good principle to teach children, but with careful diet restrictions, especially depending upon age. Fasting things like television, social media, unhealthy snacks or sweets can be better options for children.
Each day we are focusing on a different prayer topic
Each day we will have a prayer focus and daily devotional for you to follow along with. It is a collection of thoughts and scriptures to help you know God and discover your purpose. Use these devotionals as prompts to dig deeper - to slow down, listen and lean in. We encourage you to carve out time every day to meditate on the prayer focus and spend time with God.
The daily blogs will be available on our App and website starting January 6.
From January 6-26, We will have open prayer Monday-Saturday from 12-1pm at Refuge.
You are invited to join us!
The food plan below is what is recommended. Feel free to make substitutes if you are on a special diet.
Included foods: fruits, vegetables, salads, soups, baked or boiled fish, whole grains, potatoes, beans, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, sprouts, & nuts
Included drinks: water, herbal tea, 100% fruit juice, smoothies, & protein drinks
Other: natural sweeteners, vitamin supplements, protein supplements, & mineral supplements
Not included: white refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, candy, desserts, white flour, eggs, dairy, meat, preservatives, fried food, soft drinks, & caffeine
What is the value of fasting?
Recognizing the value and benefits of fasting is important. It can and should become a viable part of your lifestyle. Fasting helps you increase the quality and quantity of your prayer life. It also gives you the opportunity to focus on areas of personal and spiritual change.
What results should you expect?
You will discover a new intensity when studying the scriptures and a more productive prayer life. You will also overcome cravings that usually control your life and a greater dedication to serve the purpose and will of God for your life.
Do i have to adhere to the exact diet?
The precise details of your fast are between you and God. In Romans 14:20-23, the apostle Paul describes how we should relate in love to one another in the matter of what we eat or choose not to eat.
