(Sun. January 4th - Sat. January 24th)
As we begin a new year, we are entering 21 days of fasting to seek God with humility, hunger, and expectancy. Throughout Scripture—and throughout the Wesleyan movement—fasting has been practiced as a means of grace: a Spirit-given way to deepen our communion with God and align our hearts with His mission.
From Moses on Sinai… to Daniel seeking understanding… to the early church discerning its calling… fasting has always been how God’s people posture themselves for transformation.
WHY WE FAST
We fast not to earn God’s favor, but to open ourselves to His forming, refining, and empowering grace. This year, we’re asking God for:
- Deeper holiness and wisdom in us.
- Salvation, healing, and transformation around us.
- Fresh movement of the Holy Spirit through us for the sake of the world.
Fasting helps us—
Humble ourselves before the Lord (Ezra 8:21; Ps. 35:13)
Break the power of sin and disordered desires (1 Cor. 9:27; Gal. 5:16–17)
Discern God’s direction (Acts 13:2–3; Acts 14:23)
Align our lives with justice, compassion, and Christlike love (Isaiah 58)
This is why Free Methodists have always fasted: holiness and mission meet in surrender.
HOW TO FAST
As believers throughout history have done, we invite you to choose a sacrificial fast—one that creates meaningful dependence on Jesus.
Prayerfully ask:
- What rhythm of fasting will sharpen my hunger for God?
(One meal daily, two meals, dawn-to-dusk, or a repeating 24-hour fast.) - What beverages or comforts am I relying on that I can surrender?
Could I commit to water only during the fast?
As your health allows, we encourage you to make food a significant part of your fast—not just activities or entertainment—because biblical fasting engages the body so the heart becomes more attentive to the Spirit.
(One meal daily, two meals, dawn-to-dusk, or a repeating 24-hour fast.)
Could I commit to water only during the fast?
