2: Fasting and Freedom | 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2025

Day 2: Fasting and Freedom
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"
Isaiah 58:6
Fasting, as God intended, isn’t just about personal discipline or self-denial; it’s a powerful invitation to align our hearts with His mission in the world. In this passage, God is revealing that true fasting goes beyond abstaining from food—it’s about a heart that is moved toward justice, compassion, and freedom for the oppressed.
When we fast, it should stir us to reflect not only on our own lives but also on how we can partner with God in bringing justice and freedom to those around us.
God is calling us to break the chains of injustice, to untangle the yokes of oppression, and to become active participants in His work of redemption. This is a "fast" that frees us to see the world through God’s eyes, to ask ourselves what we’re holding on to—whether it’s habits, attitudes, or resources—that could be released for His greater purposes.
According to Isaiah, true fasting leads us to freedom, both personally and in our relationships with others, as we live out the love and justice of Jesus in tangible ways.
As you fast today, reflect on what God may be calling you to release or change so that you can live more fully aligned with His heart for the world. Is there something you can let go of that will make space for His work to be done in you and through you?
Reflection Questions:
- Is there something new God is showing you might be a distraction? Perhaps he's inviting you to step away from it during this season.
- What is something that has made you feel "strapped" before? Is God inviting you into freedom right now?
Prayer
Father, open my eyes to the deeper purposes of fasting. Show me where I’m holding on to things that prevent me from fully reflecting Your justice and compassion. Please free me to live more like Jesus, serving and loving those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.