Dates: 1/19-2/6
Join us as we fast together as a church!
Purpose | Participate | Pray | Practicals
Downloads: 2026 Fasting Guide PDF | ODF Prayer Booklet
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9 (ESV)
What are we doing?
We want to start the new year together cultivating our hunger for God through a church-wide fast. For three weeks, we’ll be fasting and praying for ourselves, one another and our mission field.
Why fasting?
Fasting centers on God and aims to glorify God. Fasting is a way for us to tangibly express our desires for God. It is also a way for us to express our holy discontentment with what this fallen world has to offer and with our hearts that become easily satisfied with the status quo.
During this time, we want to de-emphasize our daily “needs” by denying our fleshly hunger and desires. We want to set aside our earthly pleasures to glorify the Lord – with our hearts and minds fixed on His grace and love.
For more information on fasting, you can checkout our guide:
How can I participate in the One Desire Fast?
During the One Desire Fast, we want to feast on God’s love and goodness for us. More specifcally, we will feast by:
Week 1 (1/19-1/24)
- Fasting from all social media
- Fasting from one meal every day
Week 2 (1/25-1/31)
- Fasting from all social media
- Fasting from one or two meals a day
Week 3 (2/01-2/06)
- Fasting from all social media
- Fasting by having liquids only, or by fasting from one or two meals a day. We strongly encourage you to fast from two meals a day if you have no pre-existing medical conditions or have fasted before.
Throughout the fast, devote the time you would normally be on social media or eating to meditation and prayer. It defeats the purpose of the fast if you do not pray. We’ll be providing a devotional booklet to help guide you through the fast.
Pray!
Throughout the fast, we invite you not only to pray and reflect in solitude, but also to join together in prayer as a community.
We encourage you to share your general prayer requests, as well as those inspired by the ODF daily devotionals, on this board so others in our church can pray for and with you. To add a prayer, simply click the “Add Prayer” button and complete the provided fields.
We also encourage you to regularly visit the prayer board and intentionally pray for others during the fast. By clicking the “Watch” button and entering your email, you can receive updates when new prayer requests are posted
Practicals Aspects of Fasting
Before you start the fast:
- Prepare for the fast by eating certain foods, especially ones with high fiber content, to help with constipation – fresh fruit, raw vegetables, oatmeal, etc.
- Start by eating smaller meals a few days prior to starting the fast.
- Avoid high-fat and sugary foods before the fast.
- If you have underlying health issues (diabetes, stomach ulcers/other GI concerns, etc.), consult a health professional before starting the fast.
- If you have struggled or are currently struggling with eating disorders, then consider fasting from things other than food that will remind you of your need for God.
During the fast (physical):
- Make sure you are getting fluids in your body. Drink plenty of water, juice, smoothies, etc.
- Try to stay away from strong stimulant such as caffeinated and sugary drinks. Also, try to avoid soy protein drinks, which have been known to cause health problems during a fast.
- If you will be participating in the liquids only portions of fasting, fruit juices (such as apple, grape, and pineapple) will help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and keep your energy levels up.
- Anticipate some physical discomfort for the first few days of fasting (especially when we transition to liquids only) – hunger pains, headaches (due to withdrawals form caffeine), tiredness, etc. Persevere through this period. Sticking to a set mealtime will help your body adjust and lessen the physical discomfort.
During the fast (spiritual):
- Devote the time you would normally be eating to meditation and prayer. It defeats the purpose of the fast if you do not pray. It helps to keep a journal on what the Lord has been showing and speaking to you.
- Have a clear target as you pray. Try creating a list of prayer topics that you will wrestle with in prayer to God.
- Prepare for opposition as you set your heart and your mind on pursuing God. Remember that Satan tempted Jesus during his fast, and we must expect the same.
- If you fall or give into your hunger, don’t give in to condemnation. Remember that God always extends grace when we return to him with humility and repentance.
- Remember that breakthroughs will come – but sometimes, they come after the fast. Don’t listen to lies that nothing is happening during your fast.
Breaking the fast:
- Break your fast with a light meal. Do not “pig out” because you can harm your digestive tract. Your body may not be used to the sudden increase in intake and breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS FASTING A HUNGER STRIKE?
Not at all, although they have several common elements. Both are a form of sacrifice; both are done to achieve a purpose, and both can be attention getters! However, a hunger strike gets man’s attention. Fasting draws God’s attention. Christ loved us and gave up His life for us. Fasting is a method of presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice. Above all, it’s an act of worship (Romans 12:1-2).
WILL FASTING RUIN MY HEALTH?
If you are in normal health, a fast should have no ill effect. However, if you have special medical challenges or you feel hesitant about fasting, you should always consult a doctor before fasting.
WILL PEOPLE THINK I’M A FANATIC?
Perhaps. But fasting is to show God by your actions and attitude that you’re serious about bringing glory to His Son, Jesus. Anyway, in this society people who do crazy things for sports or celebrities, walk a mile to sit in a cold stadium and have beer spilled down their backs are called fans. A person who prays for an hour is a fanatic! We hope you’ll be a fanatic for Christ.
WHY DOES HMCC STRESS FASTING?
We believe it honors our Lord Jesus Christ, and that it’s the type of spiritual discipline Christian men and women need. We also believe that we must be united, using every God-given means available, to carry forth God’s plan for all the different ministries at HMCC. Without a sense of dependence on God, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Let us expect great things to happen here in our church and beyond. We want to transform lost people into Christ’s disciples who will then transform the world! It begins with us.