The Practical Path: How to Pray During Your 21 Days

We have spent time discussing what we are taking off our plates. But as we have shared before, if we do not intentionally fill that space with prayer, we are simply going through a physical exercise. Fasting is the "amplifier," but prayer is the "broadcast." To truly see breakthrough in 2026, our fasting and our praying must be in alignment.

We want to give you a clear roadmap for your prayer life during these 21 days so that you never have to wonder, "What should I be praying about today?"

1. The Biblical Model: Petition vs. Demand

   
   

   Before we dive into our specific points, we must set our heart posture. In modern culture, we are often told to "manifest" our desires or "declare" our reality. However, as your pastoral team, we want to bring us back to the heart of the Bible. In Matthew 6, Jesus did not tell us to "demand" our daily bread; He told us to ask for it. Biblical prayer during a fast is an act of humble petition. We approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), but also with the understanding that His will is perfect. God already knows what we need (Matthew 6:8), and often, we are the ones who are confused by our own desires. This fast is an invitation for Him to speak to us directly and for us to condition ourselves to wait on His direction so we are not blinded by our own will.

   
   
   
   

   

2. The Ten Prayer Points of Focus

   
   

   To help you develop your prayer time with honesty and depth, we have outlined ten areas of focus. These serve as our corporate guide—points of agreement for our families, life groups, and individual time with God. Use these prompts to spark a deeper conversation with the Father.
   

   1. Thanksgiving for a New Year:  Before we ask for anything, we acknowledge everything He has already done. Thank God for His faithfulness, protection, and provision throughout the past year. Ask for hearts filled with gratitude as we enter this new season. A heart of thanks is the best soil for a miracle.

      • Scriptures: Psalm 118:24; Lamentations 3:22–23
        

   2. Personal Renewal & Spiritual Growth:  Fasting often exposes the "clutter" in our souls. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your passion for prayer and the Word. Pray for a heart of obedience, holiness, and a renewed sensitivity to God’s leading in your private life.

      • Scriptures: Psalm 51:10; Romans 12:1–2
        

   3. Guidance & Vision for 2026:  We do not want to move unless He moves. Pray for clarity in God’s purposes for your life and your family. Ask for divine wisdom in every decision, planning session, and direction you take this year.

      • Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5–6; James 1:5
        

   4. Strengthening Families & Marriages:  The enemy often targets the home first. Pray for unity, healing, and protection over households. Lift up parents, children, and caregivers, asking for an abundance of grace and peace to navigate daily pressures.

      • Scriptures: Joshua 24:15; Psalm 127:1
        

   5. Health, Healing & Wholeness:  God is our Great Physician. Ask Him for physical, emotional, and mental restoration. Specifically pray for freedom from anxiety, fear, and discouragement, which can so easily weigh us down in a busy city like Brampton.

      • Scriptures: Jeremiah 30:17; 3 John 1:2
        

   6. Church Mission & Ministry:  Pray for a fresh anointing over our pastors, leaders, and volunteers. Ask for growth in discipleship, evangelism, and our collective impact. Pray that Hope City would be a beacon of hope for the hurting.

      • Scriptures: Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 4:11–13
        

   7. Outreach & Community Transformation:  We are called to be salt and light. Pray for opportunities to bring Christ’s love into our city. Ask for open doors in schools, neighbourhoods, and local organisations where the Gospel can make a tangible difference.

      • Scriptures: Matthew 5:14–16; Isaiah 58:6–12
        

   8. Youth & Next-Generation Leaders:  Our young people face unprecedented challenges. Intercede for the youth of Hope City. Pray they would have the courage to lead with integrity and that God would raise up bold, godly leaders who aren't afraid to stand for the Truth.

      • Scriptures: 1 Timothy 4:12; Psalm 119:9
        

   9. Financial Provision & Stewardship:  We serve a God of "more than enough." Pray for God’s provision for families, businesses, and the church. Ask for wisdom in stewardship and a spirit of radical generosity to support the work of the Kingdom.

      • Scriptures: Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8
        

   10. Global Peace, Justice & Revival:  We are part of a global family. Pray for nations in conflict and for world leaders to act with wisdom and compassion. Ask for a global move of God bringing salvation, unity, and hope to the ends of the earth.

       • Scriptures: Psalm 46:1–10; Habakkuk 3:2

Deep Study Note: The Nature of Persistent Prayer

Adapted from the Life Application Study Bible

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to teach us that we should "always pray and not give up." It is easy to confuse "persistence" with "persuasion." We do not persist in prayer because God is stubborn and needs to be convinced to help us. We persist because we need the time to be conditioned.

Fasting and persistent prayer strip away our self-reliance. When we pray for 21 days about the same point, we begin to see that point through God’s eyes rather than our own. We move from asking God to "fix our problem" to asking God to "fulfil His purpose." Persistence is not about changing God's mind; it is about God changing our hearts until they align with His perfect, sovereign will. Scripture Meditation:

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put his hope." — Psalm 130:5 (NIV)

Practical Tools for the Journey

1. Start with Worship: Don't rush into your list. Spend time in worship first to align your perspective with the magnitude of who God is. When we see how big He is, our problems start to look much smaller.
   

2. Pray Scripture: When you don't know what to say, pray the Word. The Bible is the highest authority; when we pray His Word, we are praying His heart back to Him.
   

3. The Power of Agreement: Talk with your spouse, family, or friend groups to create specific points on which you agree. Sitting down to record these creates a shared mission for these 21 days. As Matthew 18:19 says, there is unique power when two agree on earth.
   

4. Keep a Journal: We highly suggest getting a notebook or using a digital space to record what you are specifically praying for. Record the date and the scripture you are standing on. Over these 21 days, track the vibrant colour of His grace as He speaks to you.

We must condition our minds that the right response to His instruction is to wait for His leading, be obedient to His command, and continue to seek His guidance. Remember, just because we received an answer does not mean we have the whole answer. A relationship with God means we must continually spend time making room for Him so He can lead us step-by-step.

A major part of this journey is learning the discipline of "waiting on the Lord." In the silence of your fasting and prayer, you may hear Him convicting you of an attitude or directing you toward a specific act of obedience. Do not criticize the process if it feels slow. Trust that He is conditioning you for what is ahead.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the biblical 'right way' to pray—should I follow a list or wait for the Spirit?

The Bible provides justification for both structure and spontaneity. Jesus provided a specific template in Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer) because structure helps focus our hearts. However, we also see the Holy Spirit leading believers to pray as specific needs arise (Romans 8:26-27). The "right way" is defined by obedience and alignment with His Word. Whether you use our ten points daily or follow a specific internal "push," ensure your heart is in the right place, asking according to His will (1 John 5:14-15).

How do I handle distractions and a lack of focus?

Prayer requires intentionality. Jesus often withdrew to "lonely places" to pray to remove external noise (Luke 5:16). If your mind wanders, use the Word to realign. Praying aloud or "praying the Psalms" can help keep your thoughts from drifting, as the psalmists often did when their hearts were overwhelmed (Psalm 61:1-2). Removing digital distractions is also an act of discipline that creates room for His voice.

When is the best time to pray according to Scripture?

Scripture shows God’s people praying at all times: at daybreak (Psalm 5:3), at noon (Psalm 55:17), and even through the night (Luke 6:12). Your schedule should reflect your personal and family commitments. While we strive to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we offer corporate sessions to help you stay consistent:

• Virtual Prayer: Mon, Tue, and Thu at 8 AM, Noon, and 8 PM.
  

• In-Person Prayer: Wed and Fri at 7 PM at Hope City Church. Even on days with appointments, keep a heart of prayer.

How do I know if I'm praying for the right things?

The true point of fasting is really to align ourselves with God's will in the areas we are praying over. While we bring our needs or concerns to Him, we must always seek His will for that area over our own. The Holy Bible tells us to check our motives; James 4:3 warns against praying with wrong motives to satisfy our own desires. When we "remain in Him," our desires begin to match His (John 15:7).