JANUARY 2026 PRAYER & FASTING DEVOTIONAL

SAINT ANDREWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

JANUARY 2026 DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

PRAYER • FASTING • RENEWAL

“Renewed. Rooted. Ready.”

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength...” — Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

WELCOME, BELOVED COMMUNITY

As we step into 2026, we enter this month with open hands and open hearts. This devotional is not just a guide — it is an invitation. An invitation to slow down.

To breathe deeply. To listen for God’s voice. To remember who we are and whose we are. We come from a people who prayed through storms, sang through sorrow, and hoped against hope. Their faith carried us. Now, we seek God for the strength, clarity, and renewal we need for the year ahead.

This month, we pray together. We fast together. We grow together. We believe together. May this guide bless your spirit, strengthen your walk, and draw you closer to the God who makes all things new.

HOW TO USE THIS DEVOTIONAL

Each Day Includes:

• A Focus Theme

• A Full Scripture Reading

• An Expanded, Personal Prayer

• A Daily Fasting Objective

• A Reflection Question

Suggested Daily Rhythm

1. Begin with quiet stillness.

2. Read the Scripture aloud.

3. Pray the expanded prayer slowly and intentionally.

4. Honor the fasting objective for the day.

5. Reflect and journal your thoughts.

Fasting Options

Choose one or rotate:

• Daniel Fast

• One-meal-a-day

• Sunrise-to-sunset

• Social media/entertainment fast

• Sugar/caffeine fast

Modify as needed for health.

WEEK ONE: NEW BEGINNINGS & COVENANT RENEWAL

January 1–7

WEEK ONE INTRODUCTION

This week is about starting fresh. Letting go. Breathing again.

Opening your heart to the possibility that God is doing something new —

in you, in your family, in our church.

As you pray this week, ask God to help you release what no longer serves you and embrace what

He is preparing.

DAY 1 — January 1

FOCUS: Renewal in Christ

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 5:17

FAST FROM: Sweets & Desserts

PRAYER:

God of our ancestors, today I pause to remember the people who prayed me into existence. Thank You for the generations who endured hardship, injustice, and struggle — yet held onto faith. Thank You for the spiritual inheritance I carry. Thank You for the songs, the stories, the wisdom, the resilience. Let gratitude rise in me today. Help me honor the legacy I’ve been given by living with purpose, dignity, and joy. May my life be a continuation of the prayers they prayed.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

Who in your family or spiritual lineage are you grateful for today?

Lord, thank You for bringing me into a brand-new year. I stand here today because of Your grace. As I cross into 2026, I release every weight I carried from last year — every disappointment, every regret, every burden that tried to cling to me. Make me new again. Renew my mind. Refresh my spirit. Restore my joy. Rebuild what was broken. Revive what felt dead. Help me walk into this year with hope, courage, and expectation. I trust that You are doing a new thing in me — even if I can’t see it yet. I open my heart to Your transformation.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

What is one thing you want God to renew in you this year?

DAY 2 — January 2

FOCUS: Gratitude for Heritage

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 100:5

FAST FROM: Social Media

PRAYER:

God, make me a peacemaker. Help me build bridges, not walls.

Teach me to listen with grace and speak with love. Heal any division in my relationships, my family, or my church. Let unity begin with me.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

Who do you need to extend grace to today?

Lord, You call me to do justice — not just admire it. Give me a heart that breaks for what breaks Yours. Give me courage to speak up, wisdom to act, and compassion to serve. Show me where I can make a difference — in my home, my community, my church, and my city. Let justice not be a concept I believe in, but a lifestyle I live.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

Where is God nudging you to act justly this year?

DAY 3 — January 3

FOCUS: Commitment to Justice

SCRIPTURE: Micah 6:8

FAST FROM: Unnecessary Spending

PRAYER:

DAY 4 — January 4

FOCUS: Unity in the Body

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:3

FAST FROM: Complaining / Negative Speech

PRAYER:

God, make me a peacemaker. Help me build bridges, not walls.

Teach me to listen with grace and speak with love. Heal any division in my relationships, my family, or my church. Let unity begin with me.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

Who do you need to extend grace to today?

Lord, I admit that sometimes I feel tired — in my body, my mind, and my spirit. But You promise to renew my strength. Lift me today. Help me rise above weariness. Give me endurance for the road ahead. Teach me to wait on You with trust and patience.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

Where do you need God’s strength right now?

DAY 5 — January 5

FOCUS: Strength for the Journey

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:31

FAST FROM: Caffeine

PRAYER:

DAY 6 — January 6

FOCUS: Unity in the Body

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:3

FAST FROM: Complaining / Negative Speech

PRAYER:

Lord, today I recommit myself to You.

My mind, my body, my spirit — all of me belongs to You. Help me live as a living sacrifice. Shape my desires. Align my steps. Deepen my devotion. Renew my covenant with You.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

What part of your life is God calling you to surrender?

DAY 7 — January 7

FOCUS: Covenant Renewal

SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:1

FAST FROM: Bread & Processed Carbs

PRAYER:

WEEK TWO: FAMILY, COMMUNITY & WHOLENESS

January 8–14

WEEK TWO INTRODUCTION

This week invites us to look outward — toward our families, our neighborhoods,

our elders, our children, and our community.

We pray for healing, connection, and wholeness.

We ask God to strengthen the places where we live, love, and grow.

Lord, cover our children and youth. Guide their steps.

Guard their hearts. Surround them with Your favor. Let them grow in wisdom, courage, and confidence. Raise them up as leaders, dreamers, and disciples.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

Which young person can you pray for or encourage today?

God of every household, I lift my family before You today.

Bless our relationships. Strengthen our bonds. Heal what is broken. Protect what is fragile. Let love reign in our home. Teach us to serve You together — with joy, unity, and purpose.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

What blessing do you need God to release over your family?

DAY 8 — January 8

FOCUS: Family Blessings

SCRIPTURE: Joshua 24:15

FAST FROM: Fried Foods

PRAYER:

DAY 9 — January 9

FOCUS: Children & Youth

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 22:6

FAST FROM: Sugary Drinks

PRAYER: