Fast 2026
Fasting and Praying
FOODS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET DURING THE FAST
FOODS TO AVOID ON THE FAST
Day 16 (1/20/2026)
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK
The word "repent" in the original language is "Metanoia", which means (a change of mind, or a complete or total change.) Repentance is not just regretting or feeling guilty and sad. Many people regret their actions, especially if they are caught. But we find that they do the same thing and then regret it again, it's not repenting. It's like we take a bus to a certain destination, and in the middle of the journey, we realize that we took the wrong bus. If we don't change buses soon, we will get to the wrong destination.
Therefore, we must change every wrong behavior through the way we think. If we act in response, it is because we believe in the thoughts we are thinking right now. Each thought and event has a connection of feelings attached, and often when this happens we will ask for prayer. But really, it takes a change of mind for a change in action to take place.
If there is a behavior in our life that we don't like, take the time to come to the source and change the mind behind, it so that we have total freedom to start adopting a positive attitude of thinking with the events we are experiencing. Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Begin to train our minds to think positive thoughts, which are much better than constantly giving opportunities to wrong thoughts and harming our entire life, including our relationship with God. Remember that our thoughts will become our words, our words will become our actions.
Scriptures:
Proverbs 14:15
The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
Acts 3:19
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive my sins. If all this time You have found me thinking wrong, which is not according to your will, turn my thoughts into righteous and free thoughts so that I can do Your will and plans. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Fasting and prayer are essential practices for Christians as they serve as a way to deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith. Through fasting, we deny ourselves of physical needs and focus on spiritual nourishment, allowing us to become more attuned to God's will and guidance.
Day 17 (1/21/2026)
GOOD PLANNING FOR GOOD WORK
Always plan ahead, it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark” - Richard C. Cushing.
God wants us to make good plans as we go through this life. Proverbs 21:5 says that “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Jeremiah 29:11 states that our own God is a God who always has a good plan. Therefore, He commands us to also have a good plan for our lives. Proverbs 4:26 says, “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” (NIV)
There was a conflict going on in the early church. In Acts 6, the Greek-speaking people expressed a strong protest against the Hebrew congregation. They felt that their widows were neglected in the daily process of distributing food. In this conflict, there were two choices that Jesus' disciples could make. First, they could be indifferent and ignore the protests of their congregation. Or secondly, they could get together and devise a good plan to solve the problem.
Fortunately, they rushed to hold a meeting to think carefully about a solution to this problem. They decided to delegate the task of distributing this food to seven people who were full of the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. With this solution, Jesus' disciples can return to focus on prayer services and God's Word. The result of good planning, as stated in Acts 6:7 that the Word of God spread widely, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased, also a large number of priests surrendered and believed.
The story in Acts 6 proves that good planning is according to God's will and can help us to spread the gospel more effectively. Good planning also helps us not to waste our time and our future. Let's use the beginning of this year to make good plans.
Scripture:
Ephesians 5:15
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Ephesians 5:16
making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:17
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great wisdom and endless grace. Your Word reminds us to always be ready to make good plans in our lives. Teach us to depend completely on Your wisdom and to understand Your will in our lives. Amen.
Prayer, on the other hand, is a direct line of communication with God, where we can pour out our hearts, seek forgiveness, and ask for guidance and blessings. Together, fasting and prayer help us to draw closer to God, strengthen our faith, and align our hearts and minds with His.
Day 18 (1/22/2026)
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD
Who doesn't like a good superhero movie, such as a collection of Marvel, DC comics, and many more? It's nice to be able to imagine something somewhere out there that isn't bound by the laws of nature at all, being a savior for the weak or otherwise, those of us who dream of being saved by a superhero.
Actually, the dream to have a superhero in our life can come true! If we are familiar with the stories found in the Bible, we know that unexpected, unexplained, and unimaginable salvation stories appear quite often in the Bible. Think about it: a boy defeats a giant with small stones, thousands of people cross the Red Sea on dry land, a man is healed of his blindness, a twelve-year-old girl is resurrected, and Jesus had to die for us, but rose again!
The good news is, it's not an outdated 'superhero' rescue story. The same God who did all these miracles is the same God who loves us today and still does that great deed.
There is a quote "God does His best work in the impossible." What impossible things have you faced in your life? Give it to God, trust Him and His promises in Christ. As Jesus said to Jairus in (Luke 8:50), “...don't be afraid, just believe...” And Jesus raised his daughter from the dead!
Life in God's kingdom is better than any story Hollywood can make up, because we serve a God who promises to one day return to make all things new. Experience the stories of the Superhero, namely Jesus in your life today, because nothing is impossible for Him!
Scripture:
Luke 1:37
For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that nothing is too difficult for You. As we wait, help us to trust in You and believe that You can do the seemingly impossible in our lives. In the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Day 19 (1/23/2026)
DIVINE INTERVENTION
A young man who comes from a wealthy family has a proud and arrogant character because he felt that his parents are able to provide what he needs, he never feels that his life will get many problems. Suddenly, the family experiences very difficult economic circumstances and their family situation takes a turn for the worse. This young man experiences fear, stress, depression, loneliness. Divine intervention occurred in his life, God was present-touching this young man until he accepted Jesus personally and his life had a purpose and meaning.
Divine intervention often occurs in our lives, just as Paul experienced. From a murderer to an evangelist, he saved thousands of people by an encounter with God in the midst of his life.
Have you ever experienced this in your life? An event that changes the focus of our lives and opens up something we've never seen before? There are many ways God can do His divine intervention in our lives: either through direct encounters like Paul's or through various situations in our lives. Our response is crucial for us to be able to grasp His purpose. Learn to be sensitive, see what God has prepared and prepare yourself to be used by God as an instrument that brings glory to Him.
Scriptures:
Acts 9:13
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
Acts 9:16
For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
Prayer:
Lord, we are grateful for everything that is possible in our lives. We pray that every step that You have set in our lives, can continue to lead us to see that You are faithful and full of grace. Thank you for every divine intervention in our lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Day 20 (1/24/2026)
ACT POSITIVELY
Positivity is a choice that is in line with faith and belief, an action that we decide, will certainly determine the final result we get.
Aeneas had been paralyzed for eight years when he did something very important. He believed what Peter said, acted positively and without hesitation (made his bed and took his first steps), and instantly experienced healing!
Can you imagine having the faith to simply do, without any doubts? Believe in His existence and presence 100% though the facts and circumstances are very difficult and full of impossible situations? Yes! You will begin to experience God's great stories in your life. He is God, a divine person who can do anything.
What words have you heard these days? What promises you have received? Put into practice what you learned! “…Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.….” (Philippians 4:9)
The story of Aeneas and Peter could be your story too. Let’s understand God's promises and let Him fulfill them in your life, as you act positively today.
Activate your faith, so that He can work in your life more freely and without limits. Receive something You have never seen, as He promised. Having faith means being sure of the things we hope for, sure of the things we cannot see. Faith is the basis of all things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
Scripture:
Acts 9:33
There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.
Acts 9:34
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help us to always be firm and strong in our faith in You. Keep up the great work in our lives. We are ready to see Your miracle happen in our lives, In Jesus' name. Amen.
Day 21 (1/25/2026)
BE THE BEST WITH YOUR TALENTS
God wants us to serve Him and live according to His special calling for our lives. He has given us unique abilities, talents, and gifts and there is a place in this world that only we can fill.
How do we find that calling? Try observing it in ourselves by using the SHAPE formula:
• Spiritual Gift: God-given abilities to serve Him, which are only given to believers, eg. the gift of prophecy, interpreting tongues, the gift of faith, healing, etc.
• Heart: A collection of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and something we love. These things really interest us and we really enjoy them.
• Ability: Natural talent that you are born with. The things we are very good at, sometimes without too much effort, but many people say that we are very good at those areas and they are blessed with what we do.
• Personality: Our personality type (introvert, extrovert, melancholy, phlegmatic, sanguine or choleric). This personality influences how and where we use our spiritual gifts and abilities in different ways from other people.
• Experience: Life experiences (good/bad) that will teach us lessons that mature us and help us serve others who are going through similar experiences.
By finding these things, we will realize that in fact we were created by God very uniquely and differently from other people. He has a very beautiful purpose, which is to use our lives effectively for His glory. So, ask the Holy Spirit to find your SHAPE in these times of prayer and fasting.
Scripture:
1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
Prayer:
Thank you for creating us uniquely and specifically, Father, teach us to find the gifts, and talents that You have given in our lives, that we may be ready to serve You better! In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Fasting start at 11:00 pm on January 4th and ends 12:00 pm on the 25th
