At the beginning of every year, the Church Family participates in the Daniel Fast, which last 21 days.
What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a biblically based partial fast. There are two anchoring scriptures for the Daniel Fast. In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:
- Only fruits and vegetables
- Only water for a beverage
In Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture, we get a third guideline:
- No sweeteners and no breads
How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast
Quiet Time: If you don’t already have an established daily quiet time with the Lord, then this is an excellent opportunity to do so. Starting your day with God is a habit that will support your faith and growing intimacy with the Lord. During your Daniel Fast, be sure to set a daily time to come before the Lord, to study His Word and His ways.
How to Begin Spiritually
Start with a clear personal goal in addition to our corporate goals. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read
the Bible.
Prepare spiritually by confessing your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
What to Expect during the Fast
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
Types of Fasts:
- Full Fast
- Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days)
- 3-Day Fast
- This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
- The Daniel Fast
- Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water. Eat fruits and vegetables.
- Partial Fast
- A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sunup to sundown.
You can select from three types of fasting — a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
How to succeed in fasting
- Fast with friends: Matthew 18:19
- Fast with a purpose (not casually).
- Set a start date and end date.
- Determine you will follow through on the fast.
- Fast unselfishly.
- Isaiah 58:1-11
- Spend time with God.
- Fasting does not work if you do not pray.
Print out the Daniel Fast Information sheet with a list of daily scripture readings.