Why Are We Fasting? A Call to 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
Fasting is a vital part of the spiritual life and discipline of every believer. At Harvest Revival Center, we are entering into a 21-day corporate fast as a church family. This is not merely about abstaining from food but about humbling ourselves before the Lord, seeking His face, and growing in spiritual maturity both individually and corporately. This fast is directly tied to our 2025 theme: "Preparing for the Harvest". As we step into 2025 our focus is on aligning our hearts with God’s purpose, submitting to His refining process, and preparing to reap the fresh outpouring of His Spirit.
Our scriptural foundation comes from John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” We also cling to Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Together, we are preparing for breakthrough and harvest as God refines and strengthens us.
While some may question the need for extended fasting, the Bible provides examples that demonstrate both the significance and length of fasting. Daniel, for instance, engaged in a 21-day partial fast in Daniel 10:2-3, where he abstained from meats, wine, and desirable foods. This period of fasting led to profound revelation and spiritual insight. Similarly, extended fasting forms spiritual disciplines, breaks strongholds, and aligns us with God’s purposes.
Why Do We Fast? The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual discipline designed to bring our flesh into submission and make us more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. It is not about earning God’s favor, manipulating Him, or achieving personal goals. Instead, fasting helps us:
Humble Ourselves Before God
Psalm 35:13 reminds us that fasting brings humility, helping us recognize our dependency on Him.
Draw Closer to God and Hear His Voice
Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice.” Fasting aligns us to hear God’s wisdom, revelation, and correction clearly.
Overcome the Flesh
Galatians 5:17 states that the flesh strives against the Spirit. Fasting suppresses the desires of the flesh, allowing us to grow in the Spirit.
Break Spiritual Bondage
In Mark 9:29, Jesus emphasized that some breakthroughs can only come through prayer and fasting. Fasting is a spiritual weapon that breaks chains of bondage, sin, and oppression.
Seek Breakthroughs and Deliverance
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, fasting was a means of seeking God’s intervention in times of crisis, repentance, or spiritual battles (Ezra 8:23; Acts 13:2-3).
Why 21 Days?
Some may wonder why a fast should last for 21 days. While there is no single scriptural mandate for the duration of a fast, Daniel’s 21-day partial fast serves as a clear example of God’s response to focused spiritual discipline. In Daniel 10:2-3, Daniel sought understanding and breakthrough, abstaining from meat, wine, and rich foods. On the 21st day, Daniel received revelation and divine clarity.
Fasting for an extended period also forms spiritual disciplines and addresses deeply rooted areas of bondage. Research in physical and mental disciplines highlights that habits begin to form within 21 days, aligning well with both spiritual and practical outcomes. Spiritually, extended fasting enables believers to break strongholds, grow in intimacy with God, and position themselves to receive breakthroughs.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." – 2 Corinthians 10:4
The 21-day fast allows time for the Lord to work in us as we humble ourselves, pray, and yield to His voice.
Practical Ways to Fast
Not everyone can fast the same way, and that’s okay. What matters most is your heart posture before the Lord. Here are practical guidelines for participating in the 21-day fast:
Water-Only Fast
For those able, abstain from all food and consume only water during the fast. This requires preparation and should be done prayerfully.
One Meal a Day
Skip two meals and spend that time in prayer and worship.
Partial Fast (Daniel Fast)
Abstain from meats, sweets, and desirable foods. Focus on vegetables, fruits, and water.
Eliminate Sugar or Caffeine
Give up specific items that the flesh craves (e.g., coffee, soda, sugar) as a way of denying yourself and drawing closer to God.
Fasting should always be Spirit-led and accompanied by prevailing prayer. Listen to the Holy Spirit and ensure that your fast aligns with His leading and your physical health.
God’s Promises for Fasting
In Isaiah 58:6-11, God outlines the kind of fast He desires—a fast that breaks the bonds of wickedness, lifts oppression, and restores righteousness. He promises:
“Your light shall break forth like the dawn” (v.8)
“Your healing shall spring up speedily” (v.8)
“Your righteousness shall go before you” (v.8)
“The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard” (v.8)
“You shall call, and the Lord will answer” (v.9)
“The Lord will guide you continually” (v.11)
These promises reflect the breakthrough, revelation, and guidance that come when we fast with pure motives and a heart directed toward the Lord.
Join Us in This 21-Day Fast
As a church family, we are setting our hearts on the Lord and seeking Him together. Whether you are fasting for breakthrough, healing, or spiritual growth, remember that this is a sacred time to minister to the Lord and grow in spiritual maturity.
Declare Your Fast: Commit to the purpose and duration of your fast.
Stay in Prayer: Let this be a season of prevailing, focused prayer.
Fast Unto the Lord: Humble yourself before Him, knowing that your Father sees in secret and rewards openly (Matthew 6:18).
Let us trust that as we humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face, God will move mightily in our lives, our church, and our community. Check out our 21-Day Prayer & Fasting 2025 schedule here.
“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’” – Isaiah 58:9
Pastor Niel
