COMMON FASTS
Fasting is an invitation from the Lord for us to engage with Him in a heightened way. There is no right or wrong way to fast, and there are many different kinds of fasts to choose from. Here are several ways you can participate:
1-day fast each week for the entire day
3-day liquid fast
10-day Daniel fast or liquid fast
Water Fast
Abstaining from all forms of food and drink other than water
Juice Fast
Abstaining from all solid food and only drinking juice and water
Daniel Fast
Eating only vegetables and abstaining from meats, sweets, etc.
Eating only vegetables
Eating only vegetables and abstaining from meats, sweets, etc.
Selective Meal Fast
Abstaining from certain meals and snacks throughout the day and only eating a reduced amount during a single designated mealtime Regardless of the type of fast you choose to participate in during Pursue, it’s important to pray about what God is leading you to do, as well as consult a doctor and educate yourself if you have any questions or health concerns.
We encourage you to set aside some of the comforts that consume your time and spend extra time seeking God’s face. Here are a few comforts that you can abstain from: Social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok) Entertainment (movies, TV, YouTube) Buying material items (instead, donate and give to the poor)
Scripture teaches us that something unique and powerful happens when believers gather together in faith to seek God and cry out to Him with one voice. Here are some ways to engage through prayer and worship: Attend every MidWeek Service Attend at least 1 prayer meeting per week Set morning alarm 30 minutes early to pray
During these 10 days, carve out significant time to spend reading the Bible. Here are a few reading challenges: Start and complete a 10-Day YouVersion Reading Plan Start 1-Year YouVersion Full Bible Reading Plan Read the entire New Testament in 10 days Read the entire Bible in 10 days
Day 1 | January 12
Be Still and Be with God
Matthew 6:5-8
In Matthew 6, Jesus taught us to pray by going into our room, closing the door, and being with our Father in heaven. He reminds us not to worry about our needs but to simply BE with Him. Life often keeps us so busy that we neglect time with God, letting our “to-do” list overshadow our greatest need—to be still and know He is God. This can leave us feeling distant and disconnected. For the next 10 days, I encourage you to spend quality time with God. Be still, talk to Him, listen, and let Him draw near to you. As you give Him your time, He will fill you with His presence and provide everything you need.
Day 2 | January 13
Trusting God in Overwhelming Times
Psalm 62:5-8
David was a man after God’s own heart. In this Psalm, he models to us exactly how we should pray when feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of life. He first begins by waiting in silence and then centers his heart and mind towards God. He recognizes that his hope is found in God alone. He trusts the Lord and pours out his struggles, fear, anxiety, worry, and heart to God. David cried out with his soul and declared that God was his refuge. He did not allow what he was facing to overwhelm him. Instead, in quietness and silence before God, he chose to trust.
Day 3 | January 14
Fixing Our Eyes on God
Psalm 27:1-4
As we begin day three of our ten day fast, what are you asking God for? What are you praying for? What is it that you really need? What are the problems you are really facing? David had multiple challenges. He was struggling with darkness and discouragement. He was dealing with anxiety and fear, and he was facing attacks from the enemy. I’m sure David had a list of things he needed God to do for him, however, David chose not to focus on the ugliness of his problems but on the beauty of the Lord. He says, “one thing I ask from the Lord, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.” David recognized what his soul needed the most was to sit in stillness and silence with God and simply gaze, reflect and contemplate the beauty of the Lord. God’s beauty is not necessarily what He looks like but who He is. God is good, God is holy, God is righteous, God is glorious, God is faithful and God is love, to name a few. David chose to focus on God’s beauty instead of the ugliness of his circumstances
Day 4 | January 15
Waiting for God’s Power
Acts 1:4-5
The Disciples waited ten days for the Holy Spirit’s power, and in that time, God was working in them, not just for them. During fasting, praying, and waiting, God does His deepest work. Waiting may be hard, but it’s in the waiting room that God prepares us. What have you been waiting on God for? Perhaps He’s waiting for you to wait on Him before releasing His power in your life.
Day 5 | January 16
Listening to God’s Voice
1 Samuel 3:10
Prayer is about hearing from God, not just speaking to Him. During our fast, we become more sensitive to God’s voice. As we begin Day Five, take time to listen. Like Samuel, we must sit quietly and expectantly to hear God. The challenge isn’t if God is speaking, but if we’re listening. Open your heart and hear what God wants to say—maybe He’s calling you to trust, take a step of faith, or spend more time with Him.
Day 6 | January 17
The Power of Forgiveness
Matthew 6:12, 14
Forgiveness is one of the hardest but most crucial decisions we make. Jesus teaches us to forgive others as God forgives us. It’s tempting to hold onto hurt and let it turn into bitterness, but forgiveness releases us. Sometimes, we also need to seek forgiveness from others, especially when we’ve hurt them through words or actions. Forgiving and asking for forgiveness is essential for healing and reconciliation.
Day 7 | January 18
Worship with Your Whole Soul
Psalm 103:1-5
Worship is more than just a Sunday routine; it’s an expression from our innermost being. David worshiped with his mind, heart, and emotions, even in despair, remembering God’s blessings and goodness. Today, take a moment to bless the Lord with all that is within you. Remember His forgiveness, healing, and love. Worship from a surrendered soul, renewing your strength in Him. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Day 8 | January 19
Pray Until Something Happens
1 Kings 18:41-45
Elijah prayed seven times for rain, and on the seventh, he experienced a breakthrough. Too often, we give up after a few prayers, thinking God isn’t listening. But God always answers prayer—we must pray until we see results. As we near the end of our fast, don’t give up. Keep praying, keep believing, and keep pushing. Breakthrough is close. Keep pressing on, and don’t quit—P.U.S.H!
Day 9 | January 20
The Blessing of Tithing
Malachi 3:10-11
We all want to live a blessed life, but are we meeting the conditions to receive God’s blessings? Scripture teaches that when we tithe, giving the first 10% of our income, God will pour out blessings we can’t even contain. Tithing releases God’s fullness over our lives. It’s not just about money; it’s about surrendering our hearts. If you struggle with tithing, take time during this fast to ask God to work in your heart and fully surrender to Him. When we release the tithe, God releases the blessing.
Day 10 | January 21
Celebrate His Victory
Psalm 118:15-16
As we reach the end of this fast, we celebrate the victory that God has brought us through. He has been faithful, guiding us through challenges, doubts, and temptations. Today, as we reflect, let’s celebrate His victory in our lives, acknowledging His work in us during these 10 days. Let this time of fasting lead us to continue seeking Him with a renewed heart, ready to embrace His guidance and His voice in every aspect of our lives.