DRAW NEAR TO GOD
Prayer and Fasting
Guidelines: Matthew 6:5–8; 16–18 (NIV)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026
A day to seek God together. Join your Wayside family for a day of prayer and fasting. Set aside time to read Scripture, pray for our church and community, and bring your own needs before God.
SCRIPTURE
Guidelines
When you pray
MATTHEW 6:5–8 · NIV
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
When you fast
MATTHEW 6:16–18 · NIV
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, 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 men 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.”
Tips for Prayer and Fasting
Take Caution
Don’t fast if it might endanger your health (ex. if you are anemic). If unsure, consult a doctor. However, fasting for most people is very healthy because it cleanses the body of impurities and gives better mental functioning.
If fasting for the first time, you might want to start slow. Fast for a meal or a day or maybe a week. If God is leading you to do longer, then do it.
01 · PREPARE
Before the Fast
It is extremely helpful to eat primarily vegetables a few days before to prepare your body for the fast. Gorging yourself before you fast will make the fast more difficult on you. Also, enlist someone who will partner with you during the fast – someone who will encourage you to complete the time of fasting.
02 · MAKE ROOM
During the Fast
- Keep the church prayer list for the church at your side.
(You’ll want to refer to it as you pray through the day) - Develop your own personal prayer list to bring before God.
(Write as many requests you can think of; God wants to move in your life) - Plan out what you will do during mealtime.
(Spend each meal break reading scripture and praying) - Fasting can be uncomfortable (especially if you fast more than one day).
(Headaches, tiredness, and hunger pains are normal) - Use hunger pains as reminders to pray.
(This will keep your focus on God and not on food) - Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
(Broth, creamy soups, shakes, juice are all good. Green tea will keep you regular. Stay away from sodas) - Have gum because your breath will stink.
(Your body is detoxing and you will notice a white film on your tongue) - Maintain your regular activity.
(Don’t over do it but after 3 or 4 days, you will have the energy — this is a paradox that comes with fasting) - Expect spiritual warfare.
(When Jesus fasted, he encountered physical, emotional, mental and spiritual temptation) - Be honest.
(Don’t lie if some asks why you are not eating – tell them you are setting aside time to get closer to God) - Stay humble, ask God in faith for your requests, and pursue God.
(What fun you will have!)
03 · GIVE THANKS
After the Fast
- When you get off the fast, you should eat a salad or something very light.
(Don’t eat a steak when you break the fast; it could be hazardous to your health) - Celebrate what God has done.
(You will experience ‘miracles’ and discover the power and presence of God in your life in the fast)
References & further reading
Read the Scripture behind this guide and explore these resources at your own pace.
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:5–8; 16–18
Bible Gateway · NIV
Read Jesus’ teaching on prayer and fasting, as quoted in this guide.
CHRISTIAN FASTING
Why would a Christian fast?
Cru
The article linked in Wayside’s original prayer and fasting guidelines.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Fasting and your health
Johns Hopkins Medicine
An overview of intermittent fasting for additional health reading.