A Plan for Fasting in 2026

I hope and I pray you will read and consider having a plan for fasting in 2026. Only God knows how your life can change if you will. My prayer is that this year becomes a sacred turning point—not because of your discipline but because of God’s response.

Jesus said, “Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. … But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:16–18).

Notice His assumption. Not if you fast—but when you fast.

Jesus places fasting right alongside prayer. He assumes His followers will do both.

Ezra gives us a living example: “I proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us. … So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and he was receptive to our prayer” (Ezra 8:21, 23).

The people of God were facing a need too great for human strength or strategy. They needed God to do what only God could do—so they fasted. And God answered.

That’s fasting 101. You passed the knowledge test!

Now comes the application test.

A Simple Challenge for 2026

I want to encourage—and gently challenge—you to set aside a regular time this year to pray and fast. Ask God for wisdom on how to do it, and then follow His lead.

You decide:

• the day
• whether it’s a meal or a full day
• the length of time

But when that day comes, devote yourself fully to prayer and fasting before the Lord.

Three Focuses For Your Fast

As you pray, I encourage you to bring these three areas before God:

1. Personal

There’s something in your life you’ve tried to change—but haven’t been able to. A habit you can’t break. A discipline you can’t build. A place where you need God to do in you what you cannot do yourself.

2. Family and Friends

Someone you love needs Jesus—or needs restoration, healing, or freedom. You’ve talked. You’ve prayed. Nothing has changed. You’re asking God to do what you cannot.

3. The Body of Christ and God’s Mission

A Life Group. Our church. A missionary. A mission field. Revival. You feel the weight of it— and you know only God can move.

Ask God what He wants you to bring before Him in these areas. It probably won’t take long. Often, He has already been whispering.

Make a commitment to pray and fast over these things this year.

Will it take the whole year?

No one knows.

Asking is our responsibility.

Answering is His.

But consider this—many of us have been praying about these things for years without fasting.

How has that gone?

And what if God moves powerfully in a single month?

Then we rejoice, thank Him, and—out of an overflowing heart—join someone else in praying and fasting and experiencing deliverance!

Jesus gives us the direction.

Ezra gives us the example.

Now, by God’s grace, we simply trust and obey.

I’m grateful to walk this road with you. May 2026 be a year in which we humble ourselves— and watch God respond.

Grace and peace,

Bill Street

Resources

Use these resources to pray for Bellevue, Memphis, and the world.