21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
January 10-30, 2022
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting is a time where we intentionally seek God every day in prayer and fasting collectively as a church. We invite you to partake in an all-day fast each Wednesday during the 21 Days. Together, we believe for God to move in powerful ways and create a lasting impact on our lives.
We encourage you to download the River Valley app and journey through 21 Days alongside the River Valley community. Within the app, you can access a complete 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting plan with guided prayers, scriptures and River Valley Worship’s newest EP, “Attention.”
What is Fasting?
The goal of fasting is to draw closer to God. Biblical fasting involves eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose. When we fast, we abstain from something — typically food — in order to gain a greater awareness of our need for God.
Scripture References
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14, Acts 27:33-37, Nehemiah 9:1-3
Why We Fast
Seeking Fast: fasting to seek God with more intensity and more intentionality
Favor Fast: fasting for a situation where you need the favor of God
Discernment Fast: fasting for a major decision you have to make
Gratitude Fast: fasting to express thankfulness to God for His love
Dream Fast: fasting to receive God-sized dreams for your future
When To Fast
Throughout 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, we invite you to fast every Wednesday for the entire day as we look forward to the promises of God for our church!
In addition to fasting on Wednesdays, you can choose to fast more. Some people choose to fast breakfast or lunch throughout the entire duration of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. We encourage you to spend time with the Lord and pray about how you can participate in fasting throughout the next 21 days.
Prayer
Here are a few ways you can begin a powerful and personal daily prayer time with God.
1. Pick a time and place.
Pick a consistent time and place — whether it’s first thing in the morning, at lunch or in the evening — and faithfully keep it!
2. Listen before you speak.
When you sit down to pray, let God have the first word.
3. Prioritize the spiritual.
Spend as much time praying for our hearts, for the salvation of our loved ones, and for the spread of the gospel as we pray about anything else.
4. Ask for anything.
God invites us to make our requests known to Him. Don’t be afraid to pray and ask Him for anything!
Additional Resources on Prayer and Fasting
Types of Fasts
Why do We Fast?
Attention EP
(A Devotional Project)