Friends and Family Corporate

21-Day Prayer and Fasting

January 4 – 25, 2026

21-Day Fasting Guide

Fasting facilitates Spiritual Growth and Renewal

Fasting is a Christian practice of voluntarily abstaining from food or other legitimate desires for spiritual purposes. It is a powerful discipline that allows believers to draw closer to God by removing distractions and focusing on prayer, reflection, and worship.

For this purpose, we will follow the Daniel Fast, a plan-based fast inspired by biblical principles.

Fasting is not limited to food; it can involve refraining from any activity or comfort that allows for spiritual growth and renewal.
The Bible highlights the fasting practices of many individuals, including Jesus (Matthew 4:2), Daniel (Daniel 1:12), John the Baptist (Matthew 3:4), and Esther (Esther 4:16).

IMPORTANT WHILE FASTING

Stay Hydrated: Drink 6 – 8 glasses of water daily throughout the fast. Proper hydration is essential.

Consult Your Doctor: If you have a medical condition or are under a physician’s care, consult your doctor before beginning the fast.

Side Effects: Expect potential detox symptoms, such as moderate to severe headaches, especially in the first few days, as your body eliminates caffeine, sugar, salt, and other impurities. Consider taking over-the-counter pain relief, like Advil or aspirin, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Flexibility and Wisdom: Modify the fast as needed, especially if you have health conditions or experience extreme difficulty. Pray for guidance and seek counsel from other Christians to find suitable alternatives.

FOODS TO INCLUDE

Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, oatmeal, barley, and whole-grain pasta

Legumes: Lentils, split peas, black-eyed peas, and dried beans (i.e., pinto, kidney)

Fruits: Fresh, unsweetened fruits like apples, bananas, berries, cherries, mangoes, melons, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, and more. Limit intake of citrus fruits to two per day

Vegetables: A variety of fresh or frozen vegetables, including broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and spinach. Canned vegetables should be sodium-free or rinsed thoroughly before use

Seeds and Nuts: Include unsalted seeds, nuts, and sprouts. These are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats

Oils, Seasonings, and Spices: Olive oil and natural seasons are permitted

Liquids: Spring or distilled water, 100% natural fruit juices, and vegetable juices without added sugar or sweeteners

Note: It is advisable to take a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement during the fast

FOODS TO AVOID

Sugar and Sweeteners: Avoid desserts, soft drinks, and processed sugar

Caffeine: Refrain from coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages. Enriched grains. No white bread, enriched rice, or processed grains

Meat and Dairy: Exclude meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products

Fried Foods and High-Fat Products: Avoid margarine, shortening, and friend foods

PORTION GUIDELINES

Refer to the USDA Food Pyramid (available at www.mypyramid.gov) to maintain balanced servings. Suggested limits:

Fruits and vegetables: 7 – 10 servings per day

Nuts: 12 – 15 per meal

“But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

— (Matthew 6:17-18 NLT)

Fast Prayer Call

"However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:21 NKJV)

Fasting is an empowering spiritual discipline given to us by God. But when coupled with prayer, it becomes formidable. Please plan to receive 40-days of encouragement and prayer as we navigate our fast journey during the New Shift. Join the Zoom call at 7:00 a.m. each morning of the fast by visiting the link below or dialing: 1 (312) 626-6799

Meeting ID: 818 1070 9125

Passcode: 053385

Join

Fast Devotional Guide

Each day, seek answers to how God is calling you to use your faith to advance the Kingdom. Ask God’s guidance on how He wants you to come alongside other members of Eastern Star Church to save the lost and transform lives through Evangelism and Discipleship.
This devotional will help you reflect on the resources God has given you and how He wants you to use those resources to build His kingdom.

Download Fast Devotional

How We fast

From Ash Wednesday, March 5th to Palm Sunday, April 13, we will follow a modified Daniel Fast*. We will primarily only eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. We will only drink water and 100% juices. We will refrain from eating meat, dairy, and sweets.
One day during every week, select a day when you will do a complete fast, only drinking liquids such as water and 100% fruit juices.

Alternative: For those who cannot fast because of medical reasons, consider fasting from certain types of food (sweets, soft drinks, etc.) or leisure activities such as your favorite TV program and/or social media.

*If you have any health conditions, please seek advice from your physician before beginning any corporate food fast at Eastern Star Church.

2025 Fast Devotional Booklet

Your guide to gaining a deeper understanding of fasting, fast recipes and more, as you join Eastern Star Church in our annual 40-day Corporate Fast. Download the guide.

Download Fast Devotional

4 Reasons to Fast

The purpose of fasting is not to lose weight or get healthy, although these are some benefits. The main purpose of fasting is to grow closer to Christ by taking away something in your routine that will trigger you to lean on Christ. While Jesus was fasting 40 days in the wilderness, he stated: “It is written: “Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Often times, we can lose sight of this truth in our daily lives, so fasting helps us to remember this perspective.

Fasting is not something we do to make God love us more nor should we fast to gain other people’s approval. As we grow and mature in our faith, we fast and pray to…

Remember the Promises of God

Use the time you would be preparing meals or watching TV to spend time praying, talking, and listening to God.

Remember the Presence of God

Practice making God first. Be intentional about being aware of God's presence, tailoring your thoughts, words, and actions to acknowledge that He is always with you.

Remember the Power of God

Read and meditate on those things that are pure, holy, caring, and loving.

Remember the Principles of God

Remind ourselves that God is a generous God and how good He is to us. God's character does not change, so we can confidently depend on Him to do all that He has promised.

We’re Here to Help!

Whether it’s your first time fasting, or sixth or seventh time fasting with Eastern Star Church, you are not alone! We provide numerous resources to assist you on your fasting journey, including a booklet with daily scripture and weekly activities for the family to get involved.