As a church, we will be participating in 21 days of fasting. The Fast will start on Monday, January 10th, 2022, and will end on Monday, January 31st, 2022. Each day, the duration of the Fast will be from 6 am-6 pm with either Daniel’s Fast or complete fast (no food or drink). After 6 pm you can continue with a Daniel’s fast.
What is The Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a biblically based partial fast. It is a method of fasting that enhances the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting.
There are two foundational scriptures for the Daniel Fast. In Daniel chapter 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water (Dan. 1:12). From the scripture we see two guidelines for the fast:
- Only fruits and vegetables
- Only water for a beverage
In Daniel chapter 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat or tasty foods for three weeks (Dan. 10:3). From this scripture we see the third guideline:
- No sweeteners or opulent foods
No artificial or processed foods nor any chemicals should be used on the Daniel Fast.
Jewish fasting principles included the restriction of leaven, which is yeast, and baking powder.
Daniel Fast – Spirit – Soul – Body
The Bible teaches us that we are a spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body. The Daniel Fast affects all three dimensions of who we are as we enter into prayer and fasting.
Spirit
Our spirit is that born-again part of us that surrenders to God. Our spirit is filled and led by and with the Holy Spirit. During the Daniel Fast our spirit takes priority and charge over our soul and body. Our spirit silences and controls the cravings of our emotions, appetites and actions of our soul and body.
Soul
The soul is the seat of our emotions, intellect, personality and will. This soul-ish realm is where we experience the passions of frustration, anger, euphoria, sexuality etc. During the Daniel Fast your soul will rebel against the dramatic and sudden change in your diet. Fasting is a powerful way to gain control over all inappropriate passions
Body
Our body is the area affected most prominently during fasting. Many experience dramatic and immediate effects of detoxing from ingredients like caffeine, sugar and chemicals. Symptoms include headaches, cramps/spasms, fatigue and unease.
Focusing on prayer, study, meditation and appropriate rest is a great way to combat the effects of fasting on our spirit, soul and body.
Health Issues
The goal of fasting is to bring alignment to the spirit, soul and body. Fasting should never produce harm. Therefore consultation for all health concerns should be made with your medical professional before participating in the Daniel Fast and making any major dietary changes.
With that said, the Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat and health professionals support this eating plan with certain modifications on an individual basis, especially those that are pregnant, diabetic or experiencing other health conditions that require special diets.
Food List
Please ensure to read the label when purchasing packaged canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free.
Foods to include in your diet
All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to all berries, apples, apricots, bananas, cantaloupe cherries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to all beans, artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, vegie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt herbs and spices
Foods to avoid in your diet
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All yeasted bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips & potato fries
All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages including but not limited to caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
The Right Mentality
Jesus says, “I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
Fasting helps to align and position our faith to agree with the will of God for our lives.
The Wrong Mentality
Focusing too much attention on food and not on your fellowship with God.
During your Daniel Fast, you will likely make a significant change in the foods you eat. With this in mind: Keep Your Meals Simple.
Every year people start the Daniel Fast and then quit because preparing the food got too complicated. OR they are disappointed they didn’t experience spiritual breakthroughs because they focused too much on the food.
The priority of the Daniel Fast is not about changing what you eat. Although a change in menu is required.
All biblical fasting is restricting food for a spiritual purpose. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, so some foods are eaten while others are restricted. Planning what to eat isn’t about finding ways to still cater to the flesh so you won’t miss what you normally eat. If you keep your meals simple, requiring little time to prepare, then you can devote more time to the spiritual lessons, revelations, and insights that God wants to share with you. Plus, the Lord will meet you in unexpected ways as you focus on Him and not your flesh during your fast.
Remember, you can’t starve the flesh as long as you indulge it.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13
Lack of Planning
Set yourself up for success on your Daniel Fast. Invest a little time in planning your start date. Clearing your calendar from as many distractions as possible. And think about preparing simple meals ahead of time.
Get ready for your awesome time and prepare to learn, grow, and draw nearer to God during your Daniel Fast.
Lack of Spiritual Investment
Take charge. Push the “pause button” on unnecessary tasks and duties. Open your schedule so you can truly benefit from the many blessings of your fast.
Remember, your fast is NOT “life as usual.” In fact, you want your fast to be an unusual time. An “out of this world” time. A life-changing time as you open your heart to the loving Father and allow Him to minister to you and show you more of the life you can have in Him.
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