“That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.’”
— Joel 2:12 NLT
The Returning Daughter Fast
Maybe you haven’t stopped believing in God—but somewhere along the way, life, disappointment, trauma, shame, or spiritual exhaustion created distance.
The Returning Daughter Fast is a gentle invitation to come back to God’s presence, rediscover His character, and cultivate a real relationship with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
For 40 days, we will create intentional space to fast, pray, listen, reflect, and walk through Scripture together. This is not about proving your faithfulness to God. It is about responding to the God who has remained faithful to you.
What you will receive:
When you join the Returning Daughter Fast, you will receive
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Daily Guided Prayers
A new prayer will be released each day on the Trauma to Testimony Podcast, helping you bring the day’s theme, Scripture, and the honest condition of your heart before God -
Weekly The Returning Daughter Teachings
Each week, you will receive a deeper video teaching to help you understand what it means to return to God and walk with Him through surrender, healing, identity, forgiveness, trust, and restoration. -
Weekly Email Encouragement
A short email will meet you each day with the day’s focus, Scripture, reflection, prayer direction, and a link to the corresponding podcast episode. -
The Returning Daughter Guide
You will receive a free companion guide to help you prepare for the fast, choose your personal fasting commitment, reflect on what God is revealing, and record your journey throughout the 40 days. -
Community Encouragement
You will have the opportunity to walk alongside other women participating in the fast through the Healing Besties Facebook community.
"So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's spirit when He adopted you as His own children."
-Romans 8:15 NLT
This may be for you if...
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You love God, but you have felt distant, distracted, disappointed, or spiritually tired.
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Trauma or painful experiences have affected how you see God.
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You are tired of surface-level faith and desire a deeper relationship with the Lord.
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You want to recognize God’s character apart from what people have done to you.
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You desire to hear and follow the Holy Spirit more clearly.
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You are ready to release shame and return to God without pretending.
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You need a gentle, structured way to rebuild your spiritual rhythms.
You do not have to have everything figured out. You only need a willingness to respond to God's invitation.
The Returning Daughter Fast
Weekly Flow
Return
Week 1: Foundation — Meeting Jesus at the Well (John 4)
Rebuild
Week 4: Courage — Holy Boldness (Joshua 1:9, Rev 12:11)
Recieve
Week 2: Healing — Laying It at His Feet (Luke 7:36–50)
Renew
Week 5: Testimony — From Pain to Purpose (Acts 1:8, Rev 12:11)
Rediscover
Week 3: Identity — Daughter Redeemed (Psalm 139, Ephesians 1)
Remain
Week 6- Healing with the Holy Spirit Plan- (Galatians 5:25)
You don't have to do this
healing thing alone.
How the fast works:
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Register for free.
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Receive the preparation guide and welcome email.
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Choose what you will fast from.
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Begin the devotional on September 28.
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Listen to the daily podcast prayer.
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Watch the weekly teaching when your schedule allows.
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Continue through all 40 days at your own grace and pace.
FAQs
Is the Returning Daughter Fast free? Yes. The Returning Daughter Fast is a free 40-day prayer, fasting, and devotional journey. Registration includes access to the updated digital Returning Daughter devotional, daily email guidance, daily podcast prayers, weekly teachings, and optional community encouragement. If additional printed resources or products become available, they will be completely optional.
When does the fast begin and end? The 2026 Returning Daughter Fast begins Monday, September 28, and ends Friday, November 6. Before the fast begins, registered participants will receive a welcome email with the devotional, preparation guidance, and everything needed to begin.
What will we do during the 40 days? Each day, you will be invited to spend approximately 20–30 minutes reading Scripture, completing that day’s devotional, praying, reflecting, and responding to the Action to Return. You will also receive a brief daily prayer through the Trauma to Testimony podcast and one weekly Returning Daughter video teaching.
Do I have to purchase the Returning Daughter devotional? No. The updated digital edition of The Returning Daughter: A 40-Day Devotional for Prayer and Fasting is included with your free registration. You do not need to purchase anything to participate in the fast. If a printed edition or additional companion resources are offered, they will be optional.
Do I have to fast from food? No. Although some women may feel led to participate in a food-based fast, fasting can also involve stepping away from social media, entertainment, unnecessary spending, certain habits, or anything else that regularly competes for your attention. Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit what surrender and intentional space should look like for you during these 40 days. The purpose is not deprivation, punishment, or proving your faithfulness. It is creating room to seek God and become more attentive to His presence.
What if I have a medical condition, take medication, am pregnant or nursing, or have a history of disordered eating? Please do not participate in a food-based fast that could place your physical or emotional health at risk. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes. Do not discontinue prescribed medication or ignore medical guidance for the sake of participating. A non-food fast is a meaningful and welcome way to participate. God is not asking you to harm yourself to draw closer to Him.
What if I miss a day or fall behind? Continue without shame. This journey is not about completing 40 perfect days or earning God’s approval. If you miss a day, you may pick up where you left off or continue with the current day. Let the Holy Spirit set the pace. Returning to God is not measured by perfect performance but by a heart that continues responding to His invitation.
Where will I find the daily prayers? Daily prayers will be released through the Trauma to Testimony podcast. Registered participants will receive an email directing them to each prayer and that day’s devotional focus. You can listen through the provided link or your preferred podcast platform.
Are the weekly teachings live? The weekly Returning Daughter teachings are planned as prerecorded videos, so you can watch them when your schedule allows. Each teaching will support that week’s spiritual theme and help you go deeper in Scripture, prayer, healing, and relationship with God.
Do I have to join the Healing Besties Facebook group? No. Community participation is optional. The Healing Besties group will provide additional encouragement, reflection, and connection, but you can complete the entire fast privately through the devotional, podcast, emails, and weekly teachings.
What if I cannot spend 20–30 minutes every day? Begin with the time you have. You may read the Scripture, listen to the prayer, or complete one reflection at a time. The suggested daily rhythm is a guide—not another standard you must meet perfectly. This journey is meant to help you cultivate a sustainable relationship with God. Move slowly when needed and allow His presence, rather than pressure, to lead you.
Is the Returning Daughter Fast therapy or professional counseling? No. The Returning Daughter Fast is a Christian spiritual-growth and discipleship experience. It includes Scripture, prayer, reflection, education, and trauma-informed encouragement, but it is not therapy, clinical counseling, diagnosis, or medical treatment. The fast is not a replacement for working with a licensed mental-health or medical professional. If you are experiencing a mental-health crisis or need individualized support, please contact an appropriate qualified professional or emergency resource.
What if I do not feel close to God right now? You are still welcome. You do not have to arrive feeling spiritually strong, certain, or deeply connected to God. This journey was created for the daughter who may feel distant, tired, disappointed, ashamed, distracted, or unsure of how to return. Bring your questions, weariness, hope, and hesitation. The invitation is not to come back perfectly. It is simply to begin making room to encounter God again.
Will I have to share my story or personal experiences? No. You will never be required to share your trauma, testimony, journal entries, or private experiences. Reflection and community participation are always optional. You are encouraged to move at a pace that feels emotionally and spiritually responsible for you.
Hey, Healing Bestie—I’m Toni.
I’m the founder of Trauma to Testimony and the host of the Trauma to Testimony podcast. My heart is to help Christian women heal with God, encounter His true character after trauma, and grow into a Spirit-led relationship that is rooted in Scripture rather than shame, fear, or religious performance.
The Returning Daughter Fast was born from my own journey of learning that returning to God is not about coming back perfectly. It is about allowing ourselves to be received, restored, and reminded that we are still His daughters.
