JAN 13—FEB 02, 2025

fasting is a powerful way to draw close to God.

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” —Jesus, Matthew 6:16-18 NIV

Notice how Jesus talks about fasting. He doesn’t say “IF you fast,” He says “WHEN you fast…” This implies that fasting should be a regular practice in our walk with the Lord.

He tells us that we should not be somber or ask for sympathy when we fast. Why? Because it’s not a punishment—it’s a privilege and opportunity to get closer to God.

Fasting is the decision to disconnect from our dependence on the physical world and ourselves. It hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out.

start 2025 seeking God first

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start 2025 seeking God first †

new year. new you?

At Rust City, we really believe that starting the year in prayer and fasting is so important. We’ll miss what God is doing in our church and miss out on the deep work He wants to continue in each of us if we don’t make it a priority to get rid of distractions, spend in God’s presence, listen to His voice, meditate on His word, and turn to Him before anything else.

Scroll down to see how to participate!

21 days of prayer & fasting

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21 days of prayer & fasting †

WHAT TO DO

1—join our dAILY BIBLE reading plan

Download the free Bible App and then click the button below from your mobile phone to join the “21 Day Fast” Plan that we’ll do together as a church.

Starting Monday, January 13 until February 2, every day, you will read a short reflection and passage of scripture as you spend time in God’s presence. You can comment to share what God is speaking to you, but it’s not required.

2—PRAYERFULLY DECIDE HOW YOU WILL FAST

  • This is a common type of fast where you abstain from certain foods or drinks. The Daniel Fast found in Daniel 10 is one example of a selective fast (no meats, breads, sweets for 21 days).

  • This was a common type of fast for the Hebrew people. For this fast, you’d designate certain times of the day for fasting. For example, no eating from sun up to sundown or choosing to eat only in the morning or the afternoon.

  • For 21 days, you would only drink liquids (water, light juices, broth, etc) for the entire day or designated portions of the day. We've seen this type of fast in the Book of Esther.

    Please keep in mind your specific health restrictions and dietary needs. We strongly recommend consulting your doctor before committing to this type of fast.

  • A Soul Fast typically means removing luxuries and indulgences outside of food. Its purpose is to guard the types of things that enter your mind and heart during this season. This includes but isn’t limited to social media, music, movies & TV, smart phone usage or screen time either for a certain period or the entire period.

3—Tell someone

While we don’t want to go around flaunting that we’re fasting, we do need accountability and encouragement from other believers so that we don’t give up and miss out on the deep work God wants to go in us during these 21 days. So let us know what you feel God is asking you to give up during this fast and reach out for prayer when you’re feeling weak.

Email pastor@rustcity.church to let us know how you’re fasting with us!

fasting AS A FAMILY?

Below are some curated resources that we’ve created and sourced to help you navigate fasting with your kiddos.