21 Days of Prayer & Fasting: A Simple Biblical Guide for Christians

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Introduction: Why 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting?

Whether you’re brand new to fasting or have practiced it before, 21 days of prayer and fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual rhythms a Christian can engage in. 

Throughout Scripture, fasting is consistently linked with intimacy with God, spiritual clarity, repentance, humility, and breakthrough. This guide was created to help you understand what biblical fasting is, why Christians fast, and how you can participate in a healthy, God-honoring way—spiritually and physically. 

If you’re searching for a 21 days of prayer and fasting guide, a Christian fasting plan, help with the Daniel Fast, or a biblical fast for breakthrough, you’re in the right place. 

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Why Do Christians Fast? 

In Matthew 6:16, Jesus says:  “When you fast…”

He doesn’t say if you fast—but when. That distinction matters. Jesus assumed His followers would practice fasting as a normal part of their spiritual lives. Fasting wasn’t meant to be occasional or extreme—it was meant to be intentional, humble, and God-centered. 

 

Throughout the Bible, God’s people fasted to:

• Seek God’s guidance

• Repent and humble themselves

• Prepare for major decisions

• Experience deliverance or breakthrough

• Grow in spiritual strength and dependence on God

Fasting is not about earning God’s favor—it’s about creating space to hear God more clearly.

 

What Is Biblical Fasting?

Biblical fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.

While modern culture often frames fasting around health or discipline, biblical fasting is focused on redirecting attention from physical cravings to spiritual hunger.

Fasting helps us to:

• Break dependence on comfort and consumption

• Align our hearts with God’s priorities

• Strengthen spiritual sensitivity

• Create margin for prayer, Scripture, and worship

 

Fasting without prayer is simply not eating.  Prayer turns fasting into a powerful spiritual practice.

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How Do You Fast as a Christian? 

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Step 1: Decide Your Fast

Before you begin, ask the Holy Spirit:

• What type of fast should I do?

• How long should I fast?

Choose something intentional, prayerful, and sustainable.

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Step 2: Replace Food With Prayer

People often ask “What do I do when I’m hungry?”  When hunger reminds you it’s time to eat, let it instead remind you to pray first. 

The goal is not deprivation—the goal is devotion.
Use the time you would normally eat to PRAY and read the word and to worship.

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How Long Should You Fast? 

You can fast for any length of time as the Holy Spirit leads. Common fasts include:

• 1-day fast

• 3-day fast

• 7-day fast

• 10-day fast

• 21-day fast

• 40-day fast (biblically rare and divinely directed)

If you’re new to fasting, start small. If you’re experienced, you may feel led to a longer or more challenging fast.

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Types of Biblical Fasts

Absolute Fast (completed by Moses, Elijah, and Jesus)

• No food, no water (Be led of the Holy Spirit before doing this type of fast).

Complete Fast

• No food, liquids only

• Often water only (sometimes people will drink juice/broth)

• Consult a medical professional before extended fasts 

Partial Fast

• Abstaining from food for part of the day

• Common example: sunrise to sunset (example:  until 6PM or until 3PM or until 12 Noon)

Selective Fast (Daniel Fast)

• Eliminating certain foods

• Most popular selective fast in modern times is the 21-day fast

Corporate 

• ​Corporate prayer and fasting refer to the collective practice of a group of believers coming together to seek God through prayer and abstaining from food or certain activities.

*As a side note, please be wise when it comes to fasting. If you have struggled with an eating disorder or serious medical condition such as diabetes in the past, please consult with a medical professional in advance of fasting.

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What About Fasting Social Media or Activities? 

Scripture encourages abstaining from activities for spiritual devotion (see 1 Corinthians 7:5), but biblical fasting specifically refers to food.  That said, fasting food and abstaining from distractions like social media, TV, extra shopping or entertainment can significantly deepen your focus on God.

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The Daniel Fast (Great for Beginners) 

The Daniel Fast is taken from Daniel 10:3 and is ideal for a 21-day season.

What You Eat

• Vegetables

• Fruits

• Legumes (beans, lentils)

• Whole grains

• Nuts and seeds

• Water

What You Avoid

• Meat

• Dairy

• Sugar and sweeteners

• Bread and refined grains

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This fast is simple, biblical, and sustainable—perfect for 21 days of prayer and fasting. 

The Purpose of Fasting 

Fasting helps you:

• Draw closer to God

• Pursue spiritual breakthrough

• Strengthen discipline

• Resist fleshly cravings

• Seek healing or restoration

• Refocus worship and prayer

 

Types of Fasts in the Bible 

1-Day Fast

• Judges 20:26 – Seeking God’s direction

3-Day Fast

• Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9 – Protection, wisdom, repentance

7-Day Fast

• 1 Samuel 31:13 – Grief, comfort, guidance

10-Day Fast

• Daniel 1:12 – Favor, wisdom, discernment

21-Day Fast

• Daniel 10:3 – Mourning, spiritual clarity, breakthrough

40-Day Fast

• Exodus 34; 1 Kings 19; Matthew 4

Divinely appointed and not to be copied casually

 

Practical Wisdom Before You Begin 

• Fasting is about surrender, not endurance

• Listen to your body—it is God’s temple

• Drink plenty of water

• Add electrolytes if needed

• Consult a healthcare professional if unsure

Avoid fasting if pregnant or managing serious medical conditions or may struggle with an eating disorder -- without guidance.

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Breaking Your Fast Safely 

Reintroduce food slowly:

• Bone or vegetable broth

• Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, kombucha)

• Steamed vegetables

• Clean protein

 

Physical Benefits of Fasting

• Mental Clarity: Fasting can enhance focus and reduce stress in the brain

• Cellular Healing: A process called autophagy helps your body remove damaged cells and regenerate healthier ones

• Hormonal Balance: Fasting reduces cortisol levels, helping manage stress

• Detoxification: It supports liver function and reduces toxin levels, symbolizing spiritual and physical purification

• Lower Inflammation: Improved immune function and reduced risks of chronic illnesses

• Heart Health: Fasting lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease risks

• Energy Boost: It promotes efficient energy use, allowing you to live more vibrantly

 

If You Don’t Feel Well 

Hunger is normal. Dizziness, weakness, or heart palpitations are not.

Fasting is not about ego.

If needed:

• Stop the fast

• Break it prayerfully

• Seek medical advice

 The goal is not to punish yourself, but to draw closer to God. 

 

Encouragement for Your 21-Day Fast 

• Clearly define why you’re fasting

• Decide HOW you will fast and dedicate yourself.

• Prioritize prayer, Scripture, and worship

• Trust God’s timing—breakthrough may be unfolding unseen

 

• God honors humility, faith, and obedience.

• You Can Do This 

• Fasting is a spiritual discipline you grow into.

• Start small. Be consistent. Stay prayerful.

• May this guide encourage you as you draw closer to God through 21 days of fasting and prayer.

• Ask God what He wants you to fast and how long—and then step out in faith.