Join us for worship on Sundays at 9:00 AM in-person or online via livestream.
Join us for worship on Sundays at 9:00 AM in-person or online via livestream.
January 1-21, 2026
Prayer & Fasting
Give the first fruits of your year as we believe that God will take us into a deeper relationship with Him and give us a clearer vision of what is to come.
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Mark 1:35
Beginning 2026 with intentional prayer
We are starting 2026 with an invitation for any and all to join us at Santa Claus Christian Church in 21 days of prayer and fasting. We believe God is up to something here in Santa Claus and Southern Indiana, and we want to prepare ourselves for what is yet to come.
Fasting and prayer are spiritual practices and disciplines which keep us in connection with our God. With intentional prayer and faithful steps, we believe that the presence of God will continue to change your life.
Our hope is for all to grow closer to God, learn more of God's call in your life, and for our church to discern God's guidance for the days and year ahead.
Gather with us throughout the 21 days
Each Sunday, following service, we will gather to discuss how our week went, encourage one another, pray, and share how God is moving.
Join us for a meal at 5pm followed by a time of worship at 6pm to celebrate all God has done and where He is calling you individually and us as a church!
An hour of prayer for the month ahead! Start 2026 by setting your focus on God's presence and direction.
The church is open if you want to come and spend time in prayer on a lunch break, etc. Come find a quiet place to connect with God.
Understanding this ancient spiritual discipline
Fasting is a spiritual discipline of abstinence. In a general sense, fasting can mean several things: abstaining from food and drink, abstaining from food only, or abstaining from certain foods for a limited period. While there can be some health benefits, fasting in the Christian sense is abstaining from food to hear from and draw closer to God.
In our abundant times, the spiritual practice has been extended to other things we 'consume': television, social media, news, screen time, etc. This allows us to free our attention so that we can attend to God.
Biblical fasting always accompanies the fast with prayer. Essentially, fasting makes prayer more powerful and can also help us hear God's voice more clearly. It also prepares us for future trials and strengthens our spirits to act upon the word we receive from God.
The Bible records that great men of faith such as Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Paul, and Jesus Himself fasted so that they might draw closer to God (Exodus 34:28; 1 Kings 19:8; Daniel 9:3; Daniel 10:2-3; 2 Corinthians 11:27; Matthew 4:2).
"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."
Matthew 6:16-18
Different types of fasts for different purposes
1 Samuel 7:6
To recognize and acknowledge your bondage to sin, pray for God's presence among His people.
1 Kings 17:16
To meet the needs of others in caring for them physically with food, clothing, and housing.
Ezra 8:23
For problem-solving and to lift the load and barrier that keeps us from walking joyfully with the Lord.
Esther 4:16, 5:2
For God to show His glory as He delivers His children from the evil one.
1 Kings 19:4,8
To break the chains of emotional problems that seek to control our lives and returning control to God.
Daniel 1:8
To gain a healthier life through reliance on God for healing. To seek God's direction, purpose, and vision.
Matthew 17:21
To free ourselves and others from all wickedness.
Acts 9:9
To allow for a clear perspective and direction for crucial decisions.
Luke 1:15
For our witness and testimony to influence others as we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 4:2
For spiritual power and victory over temptation, the flesh, and the devil.
For a portion of John Wesley's ministry, he advocated fasting on both Wednesday and Friday each week as a regular spiritual discipline. Wesley usually began a Friday fast at sundown on Thursday and typically ended his fast at 3:00 p.m. on Friday - the hour Jesus died upon the cross.
Three keys to consistent prayer
Jesus got up early in the morning to spend time with His Heavenly Father. Make a daily appointment with God. Whether it's first thing in the morning, lunch, or evening - faithfully keep that time.
Jesus had a specific place He went to pray. Having a designated place to pray helps us remove distractions and frees us to pray without distraction or interruption.
When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He gave them an outline - The Lord's Prayer. As we pray each day, it can look differently each time. There is no formula.
A beautiful guided prayer and scripture resource. Listen morning, mid day, and evening!
A guide for each week of the journey
Examine your walk with the Lord
This week you are encouraged to examine your walk with the Lord. May your dependence be fully on Him.
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the power and Glory forever. Amen."
Reflection Questions:
Pray His agenda first
This week you can be in prayer over your family, your community, your Church, and the lost near us. What would you like to hear from God, our Father, in this time of fasting?
"He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."
Luke 12:31
Prayer Points:
Bringing light to darkness
We live in a fallen and broken world. Where do you see darkness in our country and world? What breaks your heart? You might not be able to physically do something but we all can do our part in prayer and intercession.
"Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon."
Isaiah 58:10
Prayer Points:
Santa Claus Christian Church
A Community
Rooted in Christ
Grounded By Faith
Branching Out in Love
This need not be the end of your prayer and fasting for the year. We encourage you to find a rhythm for yourself. Today is always the first day of the rest of your life in your walk with Jesus - live it well in God's grace and peace.
Get the complete 21 Days Prayer & Fasting guide with daily reflection spaces, additional scriptures, and prayer points to help you on your journey.