We understand the desire to seek God deeply through prayer and fasting, and we join you in this spiritual discipline with reverence and expectation. Fasting is a powerful way to draw near to the Lord, humble ourselves before Him, and seek His will with greater clarity. The Bible encourages us in this practice, as Jesus Himself fasted and taught His disciples about its significance. In Matthew 6:16-18, He says, "Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you."
As we prepare for this 31-day journey of prayer and fasting in December 2025, let us first examine our hearts and ensure our motives are pure. Are we seeking God’s face, or are we seeking His hand? Are we fasting to grow closer to Him, or are we doing it out of obligation or for the approval of others? Let us approach this time with sincerity, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas in our lives that need repentance or alignment with God’s will. In Joel 2:12-13, the Lord calls us, "Yet even now," says Yahweh, "turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity."
We also encourage you to set clear, biblical goals for this time of fasting. Are you seeking breakthrough in a specific area of your life? Are you interceding for your family, your church, or your nation? Are you asking God to reveal His purpose for you in the coming year? Whatever your focus, let it be rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. In Isaiah 58:6-9, God outlines the kind of fast that pleases Him: "Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light will break out as the morning, and your healing will appear quickly; then your righteousness shall go before you; and Yahweh’s glory will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and Yahweh will answer; you will cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’"
Let us also remember that fasting is not just about abstaining from food or other comforts—it is about feasting on God’s Word and His presence. Spend extra time in Scripture, allowing it to nourish your soul and guide your prayers. In Jeremiah 15:16, the prophet declares, "Your words were found, and I ate them; and your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by your name, Yahweh, God of Armies." Let this be our posture as well.
We must also address the importance of fasting in the name of Jesus Christ. It is only through Him that we have access to the Father, and it is by His name that we are saved. In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If we do not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior, our prayers and fasting will not be effective. Salvation comes through faith in Him alone, as Acts 4:12 declares, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved." If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in His death and resurrection, and invite Him to be the Lord of your life.
Now, let us pray together for this upcoming time of prayer and fasting:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the opportunity to draw near to You through prayer and fasting. Lord, we humble ourselves before You, acknowledging that we are nothing without You. Search our hearts, O God, and reveal any wicked way in us. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and align our will with Yours.
Father, as we prepare for this 31-day journey, we ask that You would give us the strength and discipline to fast with pure motives. Help us to seek Your face above all else, not just Your hand. May this time be one of deep intimacy with You, where we hear Your voice more clearly and obey Your leading more fully. Teach us to fast in a way that pleases You, not for the approval of men, but for the transformation of our hearts.
Lord, we ask that You would use this time to bring breakthrough in our lives, our families, our churches, and our nations. Show us the areas where we need to repent, where we need to forgive, and where we need to step out in faith. Give us a burden for the lost and the broken, and empower us to be Your hands and feet in this world. May our fasting lead to action, as we seek to release the oppressed, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, just as Your Word commands.
Father, we also pray for protection during this time. Guard our hearts and minds from the enemy’s attacks, and fill us with Your peace and joy. Help us to feast on Your Word and to find our satisfaction in You alone. May this fast be a time of spiritual renewal and revival, not just for us individually, but for the body of Christ as a whole.
We declare that as we seek You, You will answer us. As we call on Your name, You will say, "Here I am." We trust in Your promises, Lord, and we surrender this time of fasting into Your hands. May Your will be done in and through us, for Your glory and for the advancement of Your kingdom.
In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.