PRAYER & FASTING GUIDE
Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life (Isaiah 58).
Fasting was common in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded 40 day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast. Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting." It enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. It can also transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
Several types of fast include:
Note: Please consult your doctor before you begin your fast, especially if you are on medications or under the age of 18 years old.
Fasting was common in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded 40 day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast. Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting." It enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. It can also transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
Several types of fast include:
- Fasting from Social Media, TV, Internet, or a certain activity.
- Fasting from one meal or from certain times of the day.
- Daniel Fast; includes primarily vegetables and water. (see below)
- Juice fast.
- Absolute Fast; no food and no water. (This should only be done with extreme caution.)
Note: Please consult your doctor before you begin your fast, especially if you are on medications or under the age of 18 years old.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Throughout your fast, you may feel weaker than normal. During the first few days, you may feel tired and irritable. This is normal as your body is getting rid of toxins that have built up.
- Fasting is not just denying yourself food. It is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual.
- Arranging special time each day with God is absolutely crucial in attaining intimate communion with the Father. Take time to pray and read the Word. This may seem obvious, but busyness and distractions can keep you from your special time with God.
- Fast and pray in order to humble yourself and purify your worship. In fasting we are not trying to get something from God, but rather we are seeking to realign our hearts’ affections with His.
- Don’t boast about your fast. Let people know you won’t be eating only if you need to (Matthew 6:16-18).
- Have a clear target as your prayer focus. Without a vision (a clear, prophetic prayer goal) the people perish. Write down your vision, so you can run with it (Habakkuk 2:2). Pray for your family, the unsaved, our government, church family ,our Pastor, job. etc.
- Make your commitment. You can fast in many different ways. Pray and ask God what he will give you faith for as the specifics for the fast.
- Expect to hear God’s voice in the Word, dreams, visions and revelations. Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation through fasting (Daniel 10:1-2). Revelation is a reward of fasting (Matthew 6:18).
- Prepare for opposition. There will be many opportunities to break your commitment to your fast with unforeseen temptations.. Press through. The devil tempted Jesus on the fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand on the victory of Christ.
DANIEL FAST: ITS ORIGIN
Resource from All About Prayer.
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.The Daniel Fast: Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The basic guidelines Daniel Fast include eating:
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; Acts 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; Luke 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12).
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.The Daniel Fast: Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The basic guidelines Daniel Fast include eating:
- fruits, nuts
- vegetables
- water only to drink (to flush out toxins), some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; Acts 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; Luke 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12).
PRAYER & FASTING GUIDE
Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life (Isaiah 58).
Fasting was common in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded 40 day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast. Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting." It enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. It can also transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
Several types of fast include:
Note: Please consult your doctor before you begin your fast, especially if you are on medications or under the age of 18 years old.
Fasting was common in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded 40 day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast. Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting." It enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. It can also transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
Several types of fast include:
- Fasting from Social Media, TV, Internet, or a certain activity.
- Fasting from one meal or from certain times of the day.
- Daniel Fast; includes primarily vegetables and water. (see below)
- Juice fast.
- Absolute Fast; no food and no water. (This should only be done with extreme caution.)
Note: Please consult your doctor before you begin your fast, especially if you are on medications or under the age of 18 years old.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Throughout your fast, you may feel weaker than normal. During the first few days, you may feel tired and irritable. This is normal as your body is getting rid of toxins that have built up.
- Fasting is not just denying yourself food. It is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual.
- Arranging special time each day with God is absolutely crucial in attaining intimate communion with the Father. Take time to pray and read the Word. This may seem obvious, but busyness and distractions can keep you from your special time with God.
- Fast and pray in order to humble yourself and purify your worship. In fasting we are not trying to get something from God, but rather we are seeking to realign our hearts’ affections with His.
- Don’t boast about your fast. Let people know you won’t be eating only if you need to (Matthew 6:16-18).
- Have a clear target as your prayer focus. Without a vision (a clear, prophetic prayer goal) the people perish. Write down your vision, so you can run with it (Habakkuk 2:2). Pray for your family, the unsaved, our government, church family ,our Pastor, job. etc.
- Make your commitment. You can fast in many different ways. Pray and ask God what he will give you faith for as the specifics for the fast.
- Expect to hear God’s voice in the Word, dreams, visions and revelations. Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation through fasting (Daniel 10:1-2). Revelation is a reward of fasting (Matthew 6:18).
- Prepare for opposition. There will be many opportunities to break your commitment to your fast with unforeseen temptations.. Press through. The devil tempted Jesus on the fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand on the victory of Christ.
DANIEL FAST: ITS ORIGIN
Resource from All About Prayer.
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.The Daniel Fast: Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The basic guidelines Daniel Fast include eating:
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; Acts 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; Luke 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12).
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.The Daniel Fast: Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The basic guidelines Daniel Fast include eating:
- fruits, nuts
- vegetables
- water only to drink (to flush out toxins), some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; Acts 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; Luke 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12).
PRAYER & FASTING GUIDE
Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life (Isaiah 58).
Fasting was common in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded 40 day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast. Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting." It enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. It can also transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
Several types of fast include:
Note: Please consult your doctor before you begin your fast, especially if you are on medications or under the age of 18 years old.
Fasting was common in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded 40 day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast. Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting." It enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. It can also transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
Several types of fast include:
- Fasting from Social Media, TV, Internet, or a certain activity.
- Fasting from one meal or from certain times of the day.
- Daniel Fast; includes primarily vegetables and water. (see below)
- Juice fast.
- Absolute Fast; no food and no water. (This should only be done with extreme caution.)
Note: Please consult your doctor before you begin your fast, especially if you are on medications or under the age of 18 years old.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Throughout your fast, you may feel weaker than normal. During the first few days, you may feel tired and irritable. This is normal as your body is getting rid of toxins that have built up.
- Fasting is not just denying yourself food. It is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual.
- Arranging special time each day with God is absolutely crucial in attaining intimate communion with the Father. Take time to pray and read the Word. This may seem obvious, but busyness and distractions can keep you from your special time with God.
- Fast and pray in order to humble yourself and purify your worship. In fasting we are not trying to get something from God, but rather we are seeking to realign our hearts’ affections with His.
- Don’t boast about your fast. Let people know you won’t be eating only if you need to (Matthew 6:16-18).
- Have a clear target as your prayer focus. Without a vision (a clear, prophetic prayer goal) the people perish. Write down your vision, so you can run with it (Habakkuk 2:2). Pray for your family, the unsaved, our government, church family ,our Pastor, job. etc.
- Make your commitment. You can fast in many different ways. Pray and ask God what he will give you faith for as the specifics for the fast.
- Expect to hear God’s voice in the Word, dreams, visions and revelations. Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation through fasting (Daniel 10:1-2). Revelation is a reward of fasting (Matthew 6:18).
- Prepare for opposition. There will be many opportunities to break your commitment to your fast with unforeseen temptations.. Press through. The devil tempted Jesus on the fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand on the victory of Christ.
DANIEL FAST: ITS ORIGIN
Resource from All About Prayer.
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.The Daniel Fast: Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; Acts 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; Luke 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12).
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.The Daniel Fast: Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:
- fruits, nuts
- vegetables
- water only to drink (to flush out toxins), some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; Acts 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; Luke 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12).