Corporate Prayer & Fasting

Corporate Prayer and Fasting
A Sacred Invitation to Seek God—Together

As a church, we have chosen to begin each new year with a season of corporate prayer and fasting—an intentional refocusing as the Body of Christ. In a world that pulls our attention in countless directions, we want to start the year by collectively turning our hearts back toward God, asking Him to guide us, shape us, and lead us forward.

Participation is never required. There is no pressure, no expectation, and no comparison. Yet our hearts yearn for the day when we are all turning to God in unison—praying fervently, humbly, and expectantly for our church, our city, and the people God has called us to love.

There is something powerful when the people of God seek Him together, believing that He hears us and moves among us.

There are moments in the life of a church or faith community when we sense an invitation to slow down, quiet our hearts, and intentionally seek God together. Corporate prayer and fasting is one of those sacred rhythms…

What Is Corporate Prayer and Fasting?
Corporate prayer and fasting is when a community of believers intentionally prays and fasts together for a shared purpose—seeking God’s direction, interceding for others, repenting, or asking for renewal and breakthrough.

Fasting creates space. By temporarily setting aside something that sustains or distracts us—most often food—we are reminded of our dependence on God. When we do this together, it strengthens unity and aligns our hearts around God’s will rather than our own agendas.

This is not about earning God’s favor. Scripture is clear that God’s love is freely given.
Fasting simply helps us become more aware of His presence and more attentive to His voice.

What Does Scripture Say About Prayer and Fasting?
Throughout the Bible, prayer and fasting often accompany moments of decision, repentance, and spiritual renewal:

• Joel 2:12 – “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
• Matthew 6:16–18 – Jesus assumes fasting will be part of the believer’s life and reminds us it is meant to be sincere, not showy.
• Acts 13:2–3 – The early church fasted and prayed together before commissioning leaders.
• Ezra 8:23 – “So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”

Fasting is consistently connected to humility, clarity, and dependence on God—not manipulation or pressure.

How to Participate If You Are Not Fully Fasting
Not everyone is able—or called—to abstain from food, and that is completely okay. Fasting is about intention, not comparison. Here are meaningful ways to participate without a full fast:

• Partial fast: Skip one meal a day and dedicate that time to prayer or Scripture.
• Daniel-style fast: Eat simple foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole foods) while avoiding sweets, meats, or processed items.
• Non-food fast: Fast from social media, streaming services, caffeine, or another daily habit that occupies mental space.
• Time fast: Intentionally set aside extra time each day for prayer, journaling, or silence with God.

The goal is not deprivation—it is devotion. Ask God what sacrifice would help you become more attentive to Him during these five days.

How to Fast Safely During a 5-Day Fast
If you choose to participate in a full fast (water-only or liquids), wisdom and preparation are essential. Scripture calls us to honor our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

General safety guidelines include:

• Pray before you begin and ask God for clarity and peace about your decision.
• Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water.
• Rest when possible and reduce strenuous activity.
• Break the fast gently with light, nourishing foods.
• Pay attention to warning signs such as dizziness, weakness, confusion, or nausea, and stop the fast if needed.

Fasting should never be harmful or done out of pressure. If at any point you feel unwell, it is wise—and faithful—to stop.

Important Disclaimer:
We are not medical professionals. If you have any medical conditions, a history of disordered eating, are pregnant or nursing, take medications, or have concerns about fasting, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider before participating in a full fast.

Trusted Resources on Fasting
If you would like to learn more about biblical fasting and healthy practices, these resources may be helpful:

• “The Complete Guide to Fasting” by Dr Jason Fung - Practical Tips
• “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster – A classic resource on spiritual disciplines, including fasting
• Dallas Willard - Fasting PDF
• Desiring God – Fasting Resources for Beginners
• Cru (Campus Crusade) – Fasting Starter Kit

A Final Encouragement
Whether you fast from food, distractions, or simply commit to deeper prayer, your participation matters. God honors hearts that seek Him sincerely. As we enter this time together, may we listen more closely, love more deeply, and trust God more fully—together.
We are expectant for what God will do in and through our community as we pray and fast as one.