Welcome to Day 1 of our 21 days of Fasting and Prayer. We welcome each of you to join us on this journey. It is not an individual undertaking but a corporate mission designed to reset our spiritual thermostats in order to help regulate the temperature of the church body. Each morning a devotional or instructions will be posted to help guide you on your journey. Lets begin with an understanding of:

The Discipline of a Fast

A fast is the intentional practice of abstaining from food (and sometimes other comforts) for a spiritual purpose. But more than skipping meals, fasting is a discipline—a training of the body, mind, and spirit to come into alignment with God’s will.

1. Fasting Trains Self-Control

Fasting teaches mastery over physical appetites. When the body says “eat,” but the spirit says “wait,” discipline is formed. This strengthens willpower and reduces dependency on impulses.

“I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

2. Fasting Sharpens Spiritual Sensitivity

By quieting physical demands, fasting heightens spiritual awareness. It creates space to hear God more clearly.

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

3. Fasting Demonstrates Humility

Fasting is an act of surrender — acknowledging dependence on God rather than self.

“I humbled my soul with fasting.” (Psalm 35:13)

4. Fasting Builds Perseverance

True fasting requires endurance. It trains patience, strengthens faith, and teaches persistence in prayer.

“This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)

5. Fasting Aligns Us With Divine Purpose

Throughout Scripture, fasting preceded breakthroughs, guidance, and divine intervention.

(Moses – Exodus 34, Esther – Esther 4, Jesus – Matthew 4, Early Church – Acts 13)

In Simple Terms:

Fasting is not about starving the body. It is about disciplining the soul.

It says: “My body is not my master. My cravings are not my controller. God is my source.”

Trusting this will help you to understand the purpose behind this 21 day undertaking. Stop here tomorrow for more direction, and remember, you are not alone.

Stay focussed,

Pastor