21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

As we move into the fall season, we are setting aside intentional time to focus on God and how he is at work in and through our lives. The cross reminds us of the vertical action of God sending Jesus Christ to rescue and restore our relationship with him. As well as the horizontal action of how he brought us into a family with each other and sends us into the world. 

Daniel 10:10-19 tells the story of the prophet Daniel fasting and praying for 21 days on behalf of the people of Jerusalem. During this time, Daniel deprived himself of “pleasant food”. He prayed with repentance and honest confession about how the Israelites had sinned against God and strayed from walking in his ways. He asked the Lord for forgiveness and mercy so that the people would once again bear the name of Yahweh.

We, too, are ‘prone to wander’ as the hymn says. We need seasons of prayer that align us with God and how he is at work in our lives. In this guide you’ll find Scripture readings, conversation starters for with God and others; as well as some challenges to put feet on our faith. There is a fasting guide that is helpful particularly if you are new to fasting.

This year we will see, love and follow Jesus as his apprentices through reading the Gospel of John. There are 21 chapters in John, so you could make a decision to read 1 chapter a day. There is also a verse of the week that you can memorize and “take with you” as a meditation and way to pray unceasing.

May these 21 days grow us in grace and energize us to collectively join his mission afresh in our place and time.

September 1-7: Let Go.

We practice surrender… seeking not our own will but the will of God.

I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will. John 5:30

Read and meditate on John 1-7

Conversations with God

• How are you loving and leading me? Help me recognize where you’re at work.
• When I realize I can do nothing on my own, it’s sometimes hard to believe you’re here for me. What holds me back from coming to you? Who in my life needs encouraged that you have good plans for them?
• What do you most want me to know about you? About myself? About others?

Conversations with a friend or small group

• What are the questions you wrestle with in life?
• When has your life been interrupted from what you planned and turned out to be good?
• Our lives can feel pretty chaotic and it’s easy to get distracted. What helps you be still and focus when you spend time listening to God?

Challenge

• To grow in our awareness of how God is at work in us and around us, write down at least one time each day you recognized God’s goodness in your life or in the lives of those around you.
• Notice where you like to have control in life. When do you get frustrated or impatient? Practice surrendering that area to the Lord. Imagine what might change if God was in control of it rather than you.
• Set an alarm to pause and pray by name for the people you want to experience a living relationship with Jesus Christ and a meaningful connection to a church family.

September 8-14: Let Be.

We practice stillness.. resting in the loving care of our Good Shepherd.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Read and meditate on John 8-14

Conversations with God

• It’s hard to fully understand and believe how deep and steady your love is. If there was one thing you wanted me to know about your love for me, what would it be? Help me see the big and small ways you love me each day.
• What areas of my life, habits, or patterns are you inviting me to surrender to your love so I can experience - and help others find - more wholeness and freedom?
• Show me how I can follow your example of love. Who/what are you inviting me to share my time and energy with?

Conversations with a friend or small group

• When you think of sacrificial love, who comes to mind?
• What gets you up in the morning?
• Where do you want to see change in your life and you know you need God’s help to do it?

Challenge

• Practice silence and solitude by setting a timer for 5 minutes each day. Use this time to imagine Jesus as your Shepherd and receive his loving care for you and trust his provision for the situations of your day.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to increase your desire for God & for the grace to grow in his love & sacrificial service to others
• Set an alarm to pause and pray by name for the people you want to experience a living relationship with Jesus Christ and a meaningful connection to a church family.

September 15-21: Let Come.

We practice service.. glorifying God on earth, accomplishing the work he has given us to do.

I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. John 17:4

Read and meditate on John 15-21

Conversations with God

• How have you created me to share your love and freedom with others? Show me how my life experiences, personality traits, interests & talents can create opportunities to share you with others. 
• Help me know when you’re leading me to tell someone about Jesus. Give me the grace and courage to follow through without making excuses, talking myself out of it, or waiting for another time.
• Help me be an example of someone whose life is continually being changed by Jesus Christ and growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Conversations with a friend or small group

• What are some of the questions you wrestle with in life?
• What has been your background or experience with faith?
• At the Vineyard, we often pray, “Come, Holy Spirit.” Let’s practice inviting the Holy Spirit to come together: receiving his presence and comfort, his wisdom and guidance, his refreshment and grace.

Challenge

• How does the Holy Spirit want to partner with you to help others? Consider saying “yes” to a new opportunity to build relationships and serve in your community. 
• Set aside an hour to do an inventory of your calendar and/or your bank account. Do your time and treasures align with a commitment to glorify God and participate in kingdom work? Is there anything you want to shift? What’s a small change you want to bring forward from these 21 days as a new practice?
• Set an alarm to pause and pray by name for the people you want to experience a living relationship with Jesus Christ and a meaningful connection to a church family.