21 Days of Prayer & Fasting | 2026
Every January, we set aside 21 days to seek God through prayer and fasting. This intentional time allows us to reset spiritually, quiet distractions, and realign our hearts with what God is speaking for the year ahead. Through prayer, we draw closer to His presence, and through fasting, we create space to hear His voice more clearly. Together, we come expectant—believing God will shape us, stretch us, and prepare us for what’s next.
As we step into 2026, we sense God inviting us into a season of expansion. Our emphasis, Expanding the Mix in 2026, reflects what He is doing among us as one church in two communities—strengthening what He has built in Kiefer and extending it into Mounds and beyond so more lives can be reached. Same fire. Same heart. Same mission. More ground. These 21 days are about positioning ourselves to follow God’s lead with obedience, faith, and unity.
Prayer and fasting prepare us for expansion. They deepen our dependence on God, refine our focus, and help us remain rooted as He enlarges our reach. As a church family, we’re believing for bold faith to carry out the vision, new and restored relationships, salvations, and transformed lives—fueled by fresh baptisms in the fire of the Holy Spirit both in us and through us. As Scripture reminds us, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6–7). We trust God to give the increase as we faithfully seek Him together.
The following prayer guide and resources are designed to help you engage intentionally during these 21 days. Whether you are strengthening what God has already established in your life or stepping into new territory, we pray this season becomes a catalyst for growth and readiness. As we seek God first, we believe He will expand the mix—within our hearts, our church, and our communities—so His presence can reach even further in 2026.
250 – Pray for America
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
January 4-10, 2026
Join us January 4-10, as we launch 2026 in focused prayer.
DAILY PRAYER POINTS
Sunday – Pray for Our Nation
Pray for a spiritual awakening in our country so that multitudes will repent of their sins and trust in Jesus for salvation.
Monday – Pray for Our Schools
Pray for God’s Spirit to be poured out on students of every age. Ask God to protect all who study and work on school and college campuses throughout the US.
Tuesday – Pray for Our National Leaders
Pray for the safety of our national leaders. Ask God to make them people of integrity and give them wisdom and courage to do what is right.
Wednesday – Pray for Our State Leaders
Pray for officials in our state governments to have pure motives as they lead with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.
Thursday – Pray for Our Local leaders
Pray that our city and regional government leaders will have unity, wisdom, and discernment as they deliberate over local affairs.
Friday – Pray for Our Judiciary
Pray that judges across the nation would rule with integrity, justice, and righteousness.
Saturday – Pray for Our Churches
Pray that God will anoint our churches to serve their communities and proclaim Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
TYPES OF FASTS
A personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it's crucial for you to know your body and use wisdom. There are many fasting options listed below, but most importantly you need to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
Complete Fast
In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically water with light juices or broth as an option.
Selective Fast
This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. One example of a selective fast is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.
Partial Fast
This fast is sometimes called the “Jewish Fast” and involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunup to sundown.
Soul Fast
This fast is a great option if you do not have much experience 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.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
For Fasting:
Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:
Corporate Fasting:
FASTING TIPS -- BY JENTEZEN FRANKLIN
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
