PRAYER AND FASTING | WHAT IT IS AND WHY WE DO IT!
Some things in life don’t make sense until you experience them. Prayer and fasting is one of those things. If you’ve never tried it, it might sound confusing—or even a little intimidating. But when you understand what it is and why God invites us into it, prayer and fasting becomes one of the most powerful tools for growing in faith.
As we step into 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting leading up to our Launch Sunday on September 21, we want to pause and look at what Scripture says, why we do it, and how you can join us in a way that’s meaningful and doable.
What is Prayer and Fasting?
At its core, prayer is communication with God—listening, speaking, and aligning our hearts with His. Fasting is voluntarily giving something up—most often food—for a period of time to focus more deeply on God. The two go hand-in-hand because fasting clears away distractions so prayer becomes sharper and more focused.
Think of fasting like hitting the reset button on your soul. When we say “no” to something our body craves, we are reminded to say “yes” to God. When our bodies are craving something, it’s a reminder that our souls are craving something more.
Prayer and Fasting in Scripture
Throughout the Bible, God’s people prayed and fasted for many reasons. Here are a few to help you in getting a full picture of God’s purpose for prayer and fasting:
For guidance
Before sending out missionaries, the early church prayed and fasted to seek God’s direction.
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’” (Acts 13:2–3).
Notice that it wasn’t during a strategy meeting or planning session that God spoke—it was while they were praying and fasting. Fasting positioned them to hear the Holy Spirit clearly and step into the mission He had for them.
For breakthrough and deliverance
When King Jehoshaphat faced an impossible battle, he called the whole nation to fast and pray. God gave them victory without them lifting a sword (2 Chronicles 20:3–4, 15–17). Their fasting was an act of surrender, admitting their weakness and inviting God’s strength. Sometimes fasting reminds us that the battle belongs to the Lord and that His power can do what our own efforts never could.
For repentance and humility
When Jonah preached to Nineveh, the people fasted in repentance. God responded with mercy and withheld judgment (Jonah 3:5–10). In this case, fasting was a physical expression of their brokenness and need for forgiveness. It shows us that fasting can be a way to humble ourselves before God, demonstrating that we’re serious about turning from sin and running back to Him.
To draw closer to God
Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, preparing for His ministry (Matthew 4:1–2). He showed us that fasting is not just about what we give up—it’s about who we’re pursuing. Jesus’ fast was a time of preparation and strengthening, reminding us that fasting creates space to depend on God’s Word and Spirit more than anything else.
For wisdom and spiritual strength
Daniel gives us another picture of fasting. In Daniel 1, he and his friends abstained from the royal food and wine, eating only vegetables and water as a way to honor God. Later in Daniel 10, he fasted for three weeks while seeking understanding of a vision. In both cases, his fasting was tied to spiritual clarity and strength, and God met him with wisdom and revelation. This example is why many people today participate in what’s called the Daniel Fast.
From seeking guidance to humbling ourselves in repentance, from preparing for ministry to receiving wisdom, fasting is always about one thing: depending on God and making space for Him to move.
How We’re Engaging in 21 Days
At Discover Church, we’re not just doing this to check a box. We believe God wants to move powerfully in us and through us as we prepare to launch. Here’s how you can join in:
Follow along with the daily prompts
On our website (discoverchurchsd.com/21days) you’ll find a short daily Scripture reading and prayer prompt. If you’ve ever felt stuck not knowing what to pray, this will guide you.
Choose a specific prayer focus
We’re asking everyone to pick something personal to pray for during these 21 days—maybe healing in a relationship, breakthrough in a habit, or clarity in a decision. We’re also encouraging you to pray for two people you’d love to see at Discover Church on September 21.
Fast from something for 21 days
One meal a day: Skip a meal and use that time to pray.
The Daniel Fast: Modeled after Daniel 1 and 10, this involves eating only fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains while abstaining from meat, sweets, and processed foods.
Other fasts: Maybe it’s coffee, social media, or entertainment. The point isn’t to “prove” something but to create space where you’re reminded to seek God.
Whenever your body or mind craves what you gave up, let it trigger you to pray.
Why Do This Together?
Prayer and fasting is powerful on its own, but when we do it together, it unites us as a church family. We believe these 21 days are laying the foundation for everything God is going to do in the lives of people in San Marcos through Discover Church.
And here’s the beautiful promise: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
When we set aside time and space for Him, He meets us. He speaks. He moves. And He changes us from the inside out.
Take Your First Step
If this feels new or overwhelming, start small. Pick one way to fast, carve out just a few extra minutes each day to pray, and let God lead you from there. You might be surprised at how He shows up.
We’re expectant for all that God will do in these 21 days—and beyond. Will you join us?
👉 Visit discoverchurchsd.com/21days to get started.
