Prayer &
Fasting

WHAT

Part of believing in God is opening up your heart to Him and allowing Him to lead you into new places of trust, obedience, and faith. Prayer and fasting are two of the most powerful ways God has given us to walk deeper in His presence and understand the things He desires for our lives. Jesus also taught and talked about prayer and fasting as a normal part of the life of one of His followers (see Matthew 6:5; 6:16, NKJV).

Fasting is simply setting aside something in your life to focus more closely on God. While it often means going without food or drink for a set time, it can also involve giving up other meaningful parts of daily life—like social media, coffee, or TV. At its heart, fasting is an intentional act of surrender, creating space to pursue deeper intimacy with God.

WHY

When we fast, we are choosing to dedicate our hearts more fully to God. Fasting helps us recognize that He alone is our provider, sustainer, and source of strength. It deepens our dependence on Him and allows us to experience His presence in powerful ways.

Setting aside something we normally consume, whether it be food, drink, entertainment, or something else, can lead us to depend even deeper on the Lord. It reminds us that while these things are good, our true fulfillment and strength come from God alone.

“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” — Matthew 6:17–18 (NKJV)

HOW

Begin with prayer and a genuine desire for spiritual growth. Ask the Lord to guide you in what to give up, how long to give it up for, and to reveal the specific purpose for your fast. Throughout the process, seek His guidance and strength.

Use the time you would normally spend eating, drinking, or participating in the activity you’re fasting from to press into prayer, Scripture, and meditation, creating intentional space for God to work in and through you. Fasting is an act of surrender, inviting God to refocus your heart and deepen your dependence on Him. It’s also a time to listen for His direction and allow Him to shape your character and faith.

Fasting can also be a way to intercede on behalf of others—to stand in the gap for a person, situation, or community. Throughout Scripture, God’s people fasted and prayed for others (see Ezra 8:21–23; Nehemiah 1:4–6; Acts 13:1–3). Intercessory fasting shifts our focus outward, aligning our hearts with God’s compassion and inviting His power to bring healing, grace, and transformation into the lives of those we lift before Him.

Ask yourself:

What are you asking Him for in this season?

How is He calling you to step out in faith and trust Him more fully?

In what ways does He want to grow you and transform you?

Note: If you plan to abstain from food and drink for long periods of time, consult a physician first. If you have medical issues with fasting from food or drink, consider other important things you can abstain from instead.

WHEN

There’s no single formula for when to fast. God may prompt you to fast at specific times or seasons—before making an important decision, when seeking clarity or breakthrough, during a time of repentance, or simply as a way to draw closer to Him.

Fasting is most effective when it’s led by the Holy Spirit, not by routine or obligation. Whether it’s for a short or extended time, the focus should always be on responding to God’s invitation with humility and obedience. Trust that He will meet you in the timing He chooses and will work through your willingness to seek Him.

At Crossroads, we also have regular corporate fasts throughout the year, which are great opportunities to practice fasting in community and experience God’s movement together as a church family.