28-Day Church Fast
A Journey of Renewal. A Community Seeking God Together.
For 28 days, starting January 4th, we’re setting aside intentional time to fast, pray, and seek God as a church family. Whether you’re new to fasting or have practiced it for years, this is an opportunity to draw close to God with a united heart.
Fasting is a meaningful sacrifice that draws you closer to God. It looks different for everyone.
Fasting Should:
Be Sacrificial - It shouldn’t be easy.
Leads you to Jesus - It should draw you closer to Him.
Steps
Choose what you are fasting from.
Food
Technology
1
Set your fasting parameters.
Full
Partial
2
Select a spiritual practice.
Prayer
Journaling
Silence
Scripture reading and reflection
3
Two Types of Fasts to consider
Food-Related Fasts
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Daniel Fast - fruits, vegetables, whole foods
Sunrise-to-sunset fast - once or twice a week
Sugar or caffeine fast
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Full fast - Limit your diet for the full 28 days
Consider seeking medical approval based on your health needs
Partial fast - limited consumption
Skip one meal per day or week
Cut out one type of food
-
Sugar Fast for 28 days
Daniel Fast during weekdays.
Sunrise-to-Sunset fast, every Wednesday.
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Stay hydrated.
Don’t begin a rigorous fast without talking to a doctor if you have health concerns.
Pair skipped meals with prayer, Scripture reading, or quiet reflection.
Focus on what God wants to show you, not the difficulty of the fast.
1
Technology / Digital Fasts
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Social media fast
TV/Entertainment
Gaming
News media fast
Smart phone
Digital noise reduction (notifications, podcasts, music)
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Full fast - no engagement for the full 28 days
Log out, delete, put away
Partial fast - limited engagement during the 28 days
Create specific boundaries and parameters for your usage.
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No digital entertainment (social media or TV/Streaming services) from Monday through Friday.
Social Media Fast for the full 28 days.
Cable News Fast for 6 days a week.
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1. Watch: A recent study found that disconnecting from the internet on your phone for just two weeks could be good for your overall health after 91% of participants in the study saw an improvement in their mental health, well-being and attention span. Dr. Jenny Radesky, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan breaks down how you can improve your health with regular smartphone break.
2. Use a minimalist launcher like Blank Spaces or Olauncher to make your smartphone work like a tool instead of a temptation.
3. Set your phone to grayscale instead of color.
4. Physically distance yourself from your phone.
5. Put your phone to bed before you go to bed.
2
What Is Fasting?
Fasting is the voluntary act of giving something up, often food or a form of daily comfort, to create space to focus on God. Throughout Scripture, God’s people fasted as a way to humble themselves, listen for His voice, and depend on Him more deeply.
Why We Fast
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Fasting strengthens our dependence on God and cultivates resilience in our spiritual lives. Jesus fasted in the wilderness as He prepared for ministry.
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Fasting helps quiet the noise so we can hear God more clearly. In moments of uncertainty, God’s people fasted to discern His direction.
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Fasting can become a way to lament by bringing our pain honestly before God. Scripture shows individuals and communities fasting in seasons of sorrow.
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When we fast, we acknowledge our need for His power in situations beyond our control. God often responded to fasting with protection and breakthrough.
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Fasting is a posture of humility—turning away from sin and turning toward God with a soft and responsive heart.
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Fasting is ultimately an act of devotion. It reorients our desires and helps us treasure God above all else.