21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: A Journey Through the Four Cups of the Passover
As a church family, we are stepping into a sacred season—a time to quiet our hearts, seek the Lord with intentionality, and invite His Spirit to move among us. These 21 days of prayer and fasting are not merely about giving something up, but about drawing near—to realign our hearts with God, to humble ourselves before Him, and to seek His will for our lives, our families, and our church.
This journey is anchored in the powerful and prophetic promises found in Exodus 6:6–7, where God spoke four “I will” statements to His people—promises that later became known as the Four Cups of the Passover Seder. These promises were first spoken to Israel, but they ultimately point to the greater redemption story fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
“I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,
and I will deliver you from slavery to them,
and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.
I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God...”
— Exodus 6:6–7 (ESV)
These four promises have been celebrated for generations in the Jewish Passover meal, and they are traditionally remembered as:
- The Cup of Sanctification– “I will bring you out…”
- The Cup of Deliverance– “I will deliver you…”
- The Cup of Redemption– “I will redeem you…”
- The Cup of Fulfillment (Praise)– “I will take you as My own…”
Each of these promises reveals not only what God did for Israel but what He continues to do through Christ in our lives today. They reflect the progression of our salvation: being set apart, set free, restored, and sent forth in relationship and purpose.
Why 21 Days?
While the Four Cups give us a four-part framework, we are expanding this season to 21 days—offering extra time to pause, reflect, and allow each promise to deeply impact our hearts. Here’s how we will journey together:
- Days 1–5: The Cup of Sanctification – Called Out to Belong to Him
- Days 6–10: The Cup of Deliverance – Freed from Bondage and Burdens
- Days 11–15: The Cup of Redemption – Restored for Purpose and Identity
- Days 16–20: The Cup of Fulfillment – Living in Covenant and Calling
- Day 21: A Day of Praise, Communion, and Celebration – Walking in Fullness
Each daily devotional will guide you through Scripture, reflection, and focused prayer. As we fast, we do so not to earn favor, but to become more sensitive to God’s presence. Jesus said, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). We believe God is preparing a breakthrough in our lives and in the life of Southern Calvert Baptist Church.
A Season of Surrender and Renewal
Let this be a time of fresh encounter with the Lord. Let it be marked by repentance, realignment, and rejoicing. As we remember the Four Cups, we are not merely looking back—we are leaning forward into the abundant life Christ promised.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
— Matthew 5:6 (ESV)
Together, let’s hunger for more of God. Let’s fast from distractions and feast on His Word. Let’s walk together into these 21 days with expectation—believing that God will bring us out, set us free, redeem what was lost, and draw us into deeper communion with Him.
Why Fast?
We tend to view fasting from a negative perspective. That makes sense given the fact that fasting focusing on abstaining. It’s going without food and drink, or some other otherwise wonderful gift that the Lord has given to us. It’s possible that the reason so many of us fast so infrequently or have never fasted before is because we think of fasting mainly as a punishment rather than as a blessing.
Biblical fasting is a beautiful gift that the Lord has given to us, to surrender to the will and purposes of Christ in our lives. It is not simply going without. It is not simply abstaining. The goal of Christian fasting, in fact, is not going without but being transformed in the process. Fasting, going without something, always serves some greater end and greater purpose. There are several things that we must understand about this part of our spiritual walk with the Lord, and a few things that I would like us to consider about fasting.
First, Jesus did not leave any doubt about whether his church would fast. “When you fast,” he said — not “if” (Matthew 6:16-17) “They will fast,” he promised (Matthew 9:15) And so the early church fasted (Acts 9:9; 13:2; 14:23), and for two millennia Christians have fasted.
Second, Paul reminded us of the importance of focused times of prayer with the Lord, and the attitude of true thankfulness that should permeate all that we do. In Philippians 3 and 4, Paul addresses the sanctification of the believer. We must recognize that our citizenship is in heaven, and therefore we must find peace and contentment in all circumstances here on earth. We cannot be bound by material or worldly things but must be willing to set aside it all for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fasting allows us to humbly step into a time of total dependence upon the Lord has we trust His movement in our lives, and He teaches where true peace and contentment come from.
Third, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we are to not shrink back from challenges that will arise in front of us, but just as the Lord relentlessly pursues us, we should be relentless in our pursuit of Him: “But we are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul.” Hebrews 10:39
Here are several things to think about as you consider your fast.
- You just read that on the previous page, but I think it’s worth mentioning again—this is an opportunity. If you have never fasted before, consider using this 21-day period as your first opportunity. It is an opportunity to learn what biblical fasting is all about. It is an opportunity to ask questions. It is an opportunity to grow in your relationship with the Lord. It is an opportunity to come alongside brothers and sisters in the Lord to encourage each other and pray for one another.
- The Holy Spirit guides us when we fast. The disciples found direction through fasting. Acts 13:2 says "while they were worshipping and fasting, the Holy Spirit directed them . . ."
- God rewards those who seek Him. God gives us an invitation with a promise in Hebrews 11:6b - "the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Fasting with prayer brings us the greatest reward: His presence in our lives.
- It's WHO you are and WHOSE you are that matter most. We have chosen this fast to begin in January of 2025. You might want to use this fact to help you establish or re-establish your commitment to having your identity firmly rooted and planted in Jesus Christ. We know that living in our culture can cause us to shape our identity around what we DO instead of who we are. Why is this important? Because it's in knowing our identity as sons and daughters that enables us to thrive in our current assignments from the Lord.
The main mission of the enemy of your soul is identity theft. He wants to confuse you into thinking your job, career plans, bank accounts, significant other, house, car—your "fill in the blank"—are what define you. These are all good things, and many are gifts from the Lord. But to allow them to give us definition is a cheap imitation of who you really are: a beloved son or daughter of the King. When you fast from having your identity in anything but Jesus, you deepen your determination to being called to Jesus only.
- Fasting always involves prayer. Embrace the opportunities in front of your to pray. As you continue reading, there is a list of many things that you can pray specifically for in our church. With each devotional time that you have, pick a few of those specific things and pray as you fast.
- What fasting is not. Fasting is not an activity that is based in striving to "do" anything for the Lord to get Him to love you anymore than He already does. Fasting is setting time apart for a season to intentionally hear from God and to grow closer to Him. It's not activity-based, it's relationship-based.
- There are many different types of fasts that you can do. That leads to the question: What kind of fasting should I do? Pray about it! It's between you and the Lord. Historically, we find many fasts in the Bible that involve giving up food and replacing it with prayer. One key point to remember though is that this is between you and the Lord. Jesus rebuked those who were fasting and making it known to the world around them that they were fasting. Don’t make a spectacle of what it is you are fasting, when you do decide what fast you are going to embrace.
Here are some ideas:
- Fast from a particular food (Daniel fasted from meat and ate only vegetables and water for 10 days).
- Fast from a particular meal or meals. Instead of eating that meal, use the time to pray for breakthrough, insight, and clarity in a certain situation.
- Fast from prayerlessness, self-sufficiency, and self-reliance. Instead, make daily declarations of your complete dependence on God through prayer.
- Fast from identity theft. Seriously! Make a daily commitment to review with the Lord anything in which you are allowing yourself to find your identity other than Him (career, job, social media, etc.)
- Fast from fear, anxiety, and worry (replace those things with prayers of dependence, trust and peace).
- Fast from negativity. Are you prone to criticism of others and/or yourself? What if you fasted being critical and every time you had a critical thought you prayed for the person or situation you feel negative about?
Health & Safety
Those with medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, eating disorders, ulcers), pregnant/nursing, minors, or anyone on medication affected by food intake should choose a non-food fast. God honors the heart.
Athletes
As an athlete, you already understand discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. Training has taught you to push past limits and stay focused on your goals. Prayer and fasting call you into a similar discipline, but with an eternal purpose. For 21 days, you are invited to shift your focus—not on what your body can achieve, but on what God wants to shape in your heart. Fasting is not just giving something up; it’s pursuing Someone greater. Hunger becomes a reminder to pray, thirst becomes an invitation to drink deeply from God’s Word, and fatigue becomes a training ground to rely on His strength.
For athletes, fasting should be both sacrificial and sustainable. Some may follow a Daniel Fast of fruits and vegetables, others may skip a meal each day for prayer, or choose to step away from sugar, processed food, or even media distractions. The key is balance—choosing a fast that stretches your faith without endangering your health. When you do eat, fuel your body wisely with nutrient-dense foods, and let every sip of water remind you of Christ’s promise: “Whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). At the same time, rest well and adjust your training as needed. Even lighter workouts and intentional rest can become an act of trust, acknowledging that your strength ultimately comes from the Lord.
Just as you follow a training schedule, establish a spiritual rhythm. Begin your mornings in Scripture and prayer, let moments of hunger or weariness turn your focus toward Christ during the day, and close your evenings by reflecting on where you saw God’s strength at work. Remember, fasting is not a competition—it’s about desiring God above performance. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9:25–27, just as athletes train for a perishable crown, fasting trains us for an eternal reward. This journey isn’t about perfection but about pursuit. Lean into God’s presence, encourage one another in the process, and run this spiritual race with your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Personal and Spiritual Growth
- Pray for a deeper hunger for God’s Word (Matthew 4:4).
- Pray for hearts that are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
- Pray for personal holiness, purity, and a renewed love for Jesus.
- Pray that each person would experience freedom from strongholds and distractions.
Church Unity and Community
- Pray that SCBC would remain united in vision, mission, and love (John 17:21).
- Pray for humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation in relationships where needed.
- Pray for an atmosphere of encouragement where every member feels valued and equipped.
- Pray for strengthened small groups, Bible studies, and discipleship pathways.
Leadership and Ministry Teams
- Pray for wisdom, endurance, and Spirit-filled leadership for pastors, staff, and ministry leaders.
- Pray for worship teams, teachers, and servants to serve with joy and passion.
- Pray for protection over leaders’ families as they pour themselves into ministry.
Next Generation
- Pray for children and students in AWANA, The Homeschool Co-op, Connect Groups, and student ministry to grow in faith and boldness.
- Pray for college students as they begin classes and young adults as they begin new careers, that they stay grounded in Christ.
- Pray that God would raise up future leaders, missionaries, and pastors from SCBC.
Mission and Outreach
- Pray for the upcoming times of worship to ignite hearts with fresh devotion.
- Pray for the Mexico mission team and global partners like Pastor Julio.
- Pray for boldness in personal evangelism—that SCBC members would share Christ with family, coworkers, and neighbors.
- Pray that God would draw new families into SCBC and help the church disciple them well.
Vision and Future Growth
- Pray for wisdom as the church explores facility needs, second service options, and volunteer growth.
- Pray that God would provide resources, finances, and workers for expanding ministries.
- Pray for God’s hand of favor on the future vision of SCBC in 2026.
- Pray for spiritual revival in Calvert County—that SCBC would be a lighthouse in the community.
LET’S BEGIN!
WEEK 1: THE CUP OF SANCTIFICATION
"I will bring you out…" – Exodus 6:6
God calls us out from the world so we may belong to Him. Sanctification begins with separation unto God—a call to live differently because we are His.
Day 1: Set Apart
Scripture: Leviticus 20:26 (ESV)
"You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine."
Devotional:
Sanctification is not primarily about what we do—it’s about whose we are. God calls us to be set apart because He is holy and we are His. To be holy means to be different, distinct from the world. In this fast, God invites us to remember that we are His treasured possession, called to reflect His character and glory.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, thank You for calling me Your own. Help me live as one set apart for Your glory.
Day 2: Out of Egypt
Scripture: Exodus 3:7–8 (ESV)
"Then the LORD said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey.'"
Devotional:
Sanctification begins with God seeing us, knowing us, and initiating deliverance. Just as God saw Israel’s oppression, He sees our burdens today. Sanctification starts with divine compassion and a call to leave behind the place of bondage. He doesn't call us out to leave us wandering—He leads us to a place of blessing.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, thank You for seeing my pain and responding with mercy. Help me to trust Your call to leave the things that enslave me.
Day 3: Purified by the Word
Scripture: John 17:17 (ESV)
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Devotional:
Jesus prayed for us to be sanctified by truth—His Word. As we fast, we feast on the Scriptures. Time in God’s Word renews our mind and aligns our hearts with His will. Sanctification isn’t just spiritual—it’s practical. The Word washes us clean and prepares us for holy living.
Prayer Focus:
Father, grow in me a deeper love for Your Word. Let it sanctify me from the inside out.
Day 4: A Chosen People
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Devotional:
You are not anonymous in the eyes of God—you are chosen. This truth reshapes your identity. You have been called out of darkness for a purpose: to proclaim the beauty and goodness of the One who saved you. Sanctification is not just about separation, but proclamation.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, thank You for choosing me. Help me live like one who belongs to You.
Day 5: Walking Worthy
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."
Devotional:
To walk worthy doesn’t mean to walk perfectly—it means to walk intentionally. God calls us to reflect His character in our daily lives. In our conversations, our decisions, our relationships, and even our fasting, we respond to His calling with devotion.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, help me walk worthy of the grace You’ve given me. Let my life point others to You.
WEEK 2: THE CUP OF DELIVERANCE
"I will deliver you…" – Exodus 6:6
Day 6: Free Indeed
Scripture: John 8:36 (ESV)
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Devotional:
Freedom in Christ is not partial or temporary—it is full and eternal. True deliverance doesn't come from trying harder, but from trusting deeper. Jesus sets us free from the power of sin and the chains of shame. As we fast, we turn from false comforts and lean into the One who truly satisfies.
Prayer Focus:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom You offer. Help me walk daily in that freedom.
Day 7: Breaking the Cycle
Scripture: Romans 6:14 (ESV)
"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."
Devotional:
Sin loses its grip when grace takes hold. We often return to the same patterns because we forget who we are in Christ. Fasting breaks cycles by creating space to depend on God’s grace. Remember—you are not who you were. His Spirit lives in you.
Prayer Focus:
Father, I claim Your grace today. Break the old cycles and help me walk in newness of life.
Day 8: No Longer Slaves
Scripture: Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Devotional:
The call of deliverance is to stand firm. The enemy will always try to pull us back into the slavery of fear, legalism, or addiction—but Christ says, “You are free.” Don’t go back. Stand your ground. Let His truth anchor your heart.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, help me not to return to the things You delivered me from. I choose to stand firm in You.
Day 9: Healing from the Inside Out
Scripture: Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Devotional:
Deliverance isn’t just external—it’s internal. God not only rescues us from the enemy but heals the pain the enemy caused. Some wounds go deep. But God goes deeper still. In this fast, invite Him into the hurting places of your heart.
Prayer Focus:
Jesus, be the Healer of my heart. Touch the places I’ve hidden and make me whole.
Day 10: Strength to Stand
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–11 (ESV)
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Devotional:
The journey of deliverance requires strength—not your own, but God’s. You are in a spiritual battle, but you are not alone. God equips you with armor for the fight. Don’t stand in your own strength—stand in His.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, help me to stand firm, clothed in Your armor, empowered by Your Spirit.
WEEK 3: THE CUP OF REDEMPTION
"I will redeem you…" – Exodus 6:6
Day 11: Bought with a Price
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:20 (ESV)
"For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Devotional:
You are not your own. God redeemed you at the highest cost—His Son. Redemption isn’t just about what we’re saved from; it’s about what we’re saved for. Your life is valuable, and your body is a temple. Live like you belong to the King.
Prayer Focus:
Jesus, thank You for purchasing my freedom. Help me honor You with every part of my life.
Day 12: Redeemed for a Reason
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Devotional:
God didn’t just redeem you—He designed you for a purpose. You are His workmanship, handcrafted with care. Your redemption includes a mission. Don’t just receive grace—walk in it.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, show me how You want to use my life. Help me walk boldly in the works You’ve prepared.
Day 13: The Power of the Cross
Scripture: Colossians 1:13–14 (ESV)
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Devotional:
Redemption means you’ve changed kingdoms. You no longer live under darkness—you live in the light. The cross didn’t just forgive your sin; it transferred your citizenship. You now belong to a better Kingdom.
Prayer Focus:
Thank You, Lord, for rescuing me. Help me live each day as a citizen of Your Kingdom.
Day 14: Restored Identity
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Devotional:
Redemption gives you a new name and a new identity. You are not your past. In Christ, the old is gone, and the new has come. Don’t let yesterday’s failures define today’s walk. You are a new creation.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, I receive my new identity in Christ. Help me live from that place of truth.
Day 15: Redeeming the Time
Scripture: Ephesians 5:15–16 (ESV)
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Devotional:
Redemption extends to how we live and how we steward our time. We’ve been given a limited number of days—redeem them. Live wisely, love deeply, and serve freely. Time is a gift—use it to glorify God.
Prayer Focus:
Teach me, Lord, to number my days. Help me use my time wisely for Your purposes.
WEEK 4: THE CUP OF FULFILLMENT
"I will take you as My own…" – Exodus 6:7
Day 16: My People, My God
Scripture: Revelation 21:3 (ESV)
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'"
Devotional:
God’s ultimate promise is relationship. He wants to dwell with you, not just occasionally visit. Fulfillment comes when we know and walk with Him daily. You are His people—and He is your God.
Prayer Focus:
Thank You, Father, for taking me as Your own. Let my life reflect Your presence.
Day 17: Filled to Overflow
Scripture: John 7:38 (ESV)
"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’"
Devotional:
Fulfillment is not just being full—it’s about overflow. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we become vessels of life to others. The more we receive, the more we have to pour out. Don’t just settle for enough. Ask God to fill you to overflow, so others around you are blessed.
Prayer Focus:
Holy Spirit, fill me until I overflow with Your love, joy, and peace.
Day 18: Living on Mission
Scripture: Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Devotional:
Fulfillment comes as we live for what matters most. God doesn’t just bless us to feel good—He sends us to do good. We are called to live on mission, making disciples, and sharing the love of Jesus with the world. You are part of a greater story.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, use me to impact someone’s life for eternity. Show me who needs to hear the gospel today.
Day 19: The Joy of Obedience
Scripture: John 15:10–11 (ESV)
"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
Devotional:
Obedience isn’t a burden—it’s a blessing. When we obey God, we remain in His love and experience His joy. Fulfillment is not found in doing whatever we want, but in doing what He wants. His commands lead to our joy.
Prayer Focus:
Father, give me a heart that delights in obedience. Let me find joy in walking with You.
Day 20: Covenant People
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV)
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Devotional:
We are not just followers—we are in covenant with the living God. His law is written on our hearts, and His Spirit lives within us. We are His people, called to walk in love, truth, and purpose. Fulfillment means living as those who belong to God.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, thank You for the new covenant. Help me live from the inside out by Your Spirit.
Day 21: A Day of Praise and Celebration
Scripture: Psalm 116:12–14 (ESV)
"What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people."
Devotional:
After 21 days of prayer and fasting, we come full circle—to praise. We have walked through sanctification, deliverance, redemption, and fulfillment. Now we lift the cup of salvation in worship. God has done great things—celebrate Him with your whole heart.
Prayer Focus:
Lord, I praise You for all You’ve done during these 21 days. Be glorified in my life.
Conclusion
You have journeyed through the Four Cups and encountered the heart of God in a deeper way. But this is not meant to be just an ending—it is a launching point. These 21 days of prayer and fasting are not the destination; they are the runway for a new season of spiritual renewal. What God has stirred in you, He now desires to carry forward into the daily rhythm of your life.
Let these days remind you that sanctification is not a moment but a lifelong walk, deliverance is not just from Egypt but from every chain that holds you back, redemption is not a doctrine to know but a gift to live in, and fulfillment is not only for eternity but for today as you walk in Christ.
So keep pressing in. Continue to walk in what God has revealed. Guard your heart, for the enemy will try to snatch away the seeds that have been planted. Stay prayerful—let prayer become your first instinct and not your last resort. Stay expectant—believe that God is still writing your story and has greater things ahead. Stay surrendered—yielding daily to the Spirit’s leading so that Christ may be formed in you.
And remember this promise from Jesus Himself: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6, ESV) May that hunger never fade, and may your life continue to overflow with the satisfaction that only comes from Him.
