2026 7 Days of Prayer & Fasting

FASTING GUIDE

In Acts 13:2-3, we read, “While they (Church Elders) were worshiping the Lord and

fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which

I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on

them and sent them off.”

The early Church discerned its next steps when it sought God’s will through prayer

and fasting. In Church history, spiritual awakenings and Christ-centered revivals have come to regions where God’s people have gathered together for prayer and fasting. As you pray each day, listen for the Holy Spirit to speak and keep your heart open to what He has to say.

Why fasting and how exactly should we do this?

Fasting in the biblical sense is choosing not to partake of food because your spiritual hunger is so deep, your determination in intercession so intense, or your spiritual warfare so demanding that you have temporarily set aside even fleshly needs to give yourself to prayer and meditation. 

— Wesley L. Duewel

FASTING FOR BEGINNERS LEVEL: This is a great option if you have never abstained

from food for lengthy periods or if you wish to refocus certain areas of your life that

are out of balance. For example, you might choose to stop using social media or

watching television for a set duration during the fast and then carefully bring that element back into your life in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.

You can choose not to view any media from 6:00 pm to midnight, and spend that time praying at the top of each hour. You can also skip one meal each day, and spend that mealtime praying at the top of each hour. So, if you skip breakfast and you get up

at 6:00 am, you can pray once at 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, and wrap it up at noon.

FASTING FOR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL: You can do what’s known as the Daniel fast.

The Daniel Fast eating plan is like a vegan diet with more restrictions. The only beverage is water and the primary foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. There are no sweeteners on the fast and no processed foods or chemicals.

During this fast, set aside four times during the day to pray: 9:00a.m, 12:00noon, 3:00p.m, and 6:00p.m. If you are an early riser, add a 6:00 a.m.m prayer time.

FASTING FOR ADVANCED LEVEL: In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically

water with light juices as an option during the duration of the fast. Certain medical conditions do not allow for some to engage in a food fast. If you have health concerns, seek the advice of a physician before fasting from food. Before fasting, you may be

tempted to eat a large meal to stock up. This can have some negative effects on your body. It is best to wean yourself from food. Make your last meal before the fast a light meal consisting of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from greasy or oily foods. When

breaking your fast, do so slowly. If engaging in an extended fast, ease your body back into a normal pattern by eating a light diet consisting mostly of fruits and vegetables.