As we begin 2026, Elevate will be participating in a 21 Day Fast as we intentionally seek God for what He has for our church, our community, and our personal lives in the year ahead. Throughout the fast, we will provide resources, give suggested fast types, and have Prayer and Devotion Guides. The guide includes a variety of fast options, such as the Daniel Fast, fasting a meal, fasting social media, or other meaningful approaches. We encourage you to pray and ask God how He would lead you to participate during this season. Our official fast will begin the evening of January 11 (after lunch) and will conclude on February 1, when we will come together that evening for a church-wide potluck. Join us as we commit this time to prayer, faith, and seeking God together as we step into the new year.
Fasting resets our soul and refreshes us as we set our minds to focusing on God and His will for our lives. Keep these points in mind as you start:
Remember Your Purpose: You might feel physical or emotional effects when fasting, whether from food or activities like social media. Remember, this is to connect with God and seek His guidance. Stay focused on this goal, especially when it’s challenging.
It's about Him: As we fast together as a church, there will be others experiencing what it is like to be in a fast just like you. However, you will also experience people in your life that are not going through our fast. Remember to not boast on yourself or complain on the challenges of the fast. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:17-18
Stay Positive: Avoid dwelling on what you’re missing or complaining. Instead, praise God and remember the fast’s aim is to grow closer to Him, not to highlight our sacrifices. Show Yourself Grace: If you slip up, don’t be harsh on yourself. Pray for forgiveness, and remember God’s grace is strong. Continue seeking His will. Don't quit.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s needs and don’t push beyond your limits. The fast should strengthen faith, not harm you physically. Consult a doctor if needed, and consider supplements for health.
Make it a Sacrifice: Pray and seek guidance from God on what path He would have you to take. While you must understand that it is important to not land on something so difficult that you are unable to focus on the voice of God, it also must be a sacrifice that sets your mind on understanding the challenge and dynamic of denying something to pursue the face of God.
Fasting has a Purpose, beyond now: Many people understand starting the year with prayer and fasting as they seek God for His face for the new year, but often don't think about the power of prayer and fasting at other times. Throughout the year, if you feel the need to pray over something in your life, we encourage you to use our guides and use fasting as a means to seek His face throughout the year.
Common Fast Types:
Daniel Fast: This fast is inspired by the prophet Daniel, who chose to honor God by setting aside rich and indulgent foods. During a Daniel Fast, you avoid all animal products and instead eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. While denying your body of the foods they enjoy, you take time to draw closer to God through prayer and Scripture practicing discipline and dependence on Him.
Modified Daniel Fast: This is a flexible version of the Daniel Fast. The focus remains on simplicity and spiritual devotion, but you may allow slight adjustments — for example, including bread or allowing one small meat-based meal. This option works well for those with dietary needs or medical concerns while still honoring the spirit of fasting.
One-Meal-a-Day Fast: With this fast, you intentionally skip one meal each day and dedicate that time to prayer, worship, and Bible reading. It’s a powerful reminder that our spiritual hunger for God is greater than our physical hunger. Each time you feel that longing for food, you can turn it into a moment of connection with God.
Possession or Entertainment Fast: Fasting is not only about food — sometimes the things we own or the media we consume can quietly take too much space in our hearts. With this fast, you intentionally step away from something meaningful to you — such as TV, gaming, shopping, or a favorite hobby — and replace that time with intentional time with God. This helps refocus your heart on what truly matters.
Social Media Fast: In our nonstop digital world, social media can easily distract us from God’s voice. A social media fast means stepping away from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or others for a set period of time. During those moments when you’d normally scroll, you choose instead to pray, worship, reflect, or read Scripture. Many people find this brings surprising clarity and peace.
Remember Your Purpose: You might feel physical or emotional effects when fasting, whether from food or activities like social media. Remember, this is to connect with God and seek His guidance. Stay focused on this goal, especially when it’s challenging.
It's about Him: As we fast together as a church, there will be others experiencing what it is like to be in a fast just like you. However, you will also experience people in your life that are not going through our fast. Remember to not boast on yourself or complain on the challenges of the fast. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:17-18
Stay Positive: Avoid dwelling on what you’re missing or complaining. Instead, praise God and remember the fast’s aim is to grow closer to Him, not to highlight our sacrifices. Show Yourself Grace: If you slip up, don’t be harsh on yourself. Pray for forgiveness, and remember God’s grace is strong. Continue seeking His will. Don't quit.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s needs and don’t push beyond your limits. The fast should strengthen faith, not harm you physically. Consult a doctor if needed, and consider supplements for health.
Make it a Sacrifice: Pray and seek guidance from God on what path He would have you to take. While you must understand that it is important to not land on something so difficult that you are unable to focus on the voice of God, it also must be a sacrifice that sets your mind on understanding the challenge and dynamic of denying something to pursue the face of God.
Fasting has a Purpose, beyond now: Many people understand starting the year with prayer and fasting as they seek God for His face for the new year, but often don't think about the power of prayer and fasting at other times. Throughout the year, if you feel the need to pray over something in your life, we encourage you to use our guides and use fasting as a means to seek His face throughout the year.
Common Fast Types:
Daniel Fast: This fast is inspired by the prophet Daniel, who chose to honor God by setting aside rich and indulgent foods. During a Daniel Fast, you avoid all animal products and instead eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. While denying your body of the foods they enjoy, you take time to draw closer to God through prayer and Scripture practicing discipline and dependence on Him.
Modified Daniel Fast: This is a flexible version of the Daniel Fast. The focus remains on simplicity and spiritual devotion, but you may allow slight adjustments — for example, including bread or allowing one small meat-based meal. This option works well for those with dietary needs or medical concerns while still honoring the spirit of fasting.
One-Meal-a-Day Fast: With this fast, you intentionally skip one meal each day and dedicate that time to prayer, worship, and Bible reading. It’s a powerful reminder that our spiritual hunger for God is greater than our physical hunger. Each time you feel that longing for food, you can turn it into a moment of connection with God.
Possession or Entertainment Fast: Fasting is not only about food — sometimes the things we own or the media we consume can quietly take too much space in our hearts. With this fast, you intentionally step away from something meaningful to you — such as TV, gaming, shopping, or a favorite hobby — and replace that time with intentional time with God. This helps refocus your heart on what truly matters.
Social Media Fast: In our nonstop digital world, social media can easily distract us from God’s voice. A social media fast means stepping away from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or others for a set period of time. During those moments when you’d normally scroll, you choose instead to pray, worship, reflect, or read Scripture. Many people find this brings surprising clarity and peace.
