We believe powerful things can happen in our lives when we set aside certain things to focus on our relationship with God. You are invited to join us this year new year for a church-wide Daniel Fast. We are believing for incredible things in 2023!!!!
What is Fasting?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline designed to better connect us with God. It comes from the biblical concept of fasting, which is a temporary setting aside of something that is in itself good, like food, or certain activities in order to intensify our expression of need for God and his work in our lives. The type and length of the fast you choose is between you and God, and should not be determined by what anyone else is doing. Fasting, prayer and reading God’s Word go hand in hand. When you fast, also pray for God’s purpose and plan for your life to be revealed (Acts 13:2; 14:23). The Bible also tells us to fast and pray about every major decision in your life (Esther 4:16). When you deny your body, you feed your spirit and grow closer to the Lord.
What is a Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that we will eliminate some common things from our daily diet, but will have generous options available. We will focus on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. This fast will require preparation as most meals will be made from scratch.
If you have any condition which would prohibit you from being a part of the Daniel Fast, there are other options. Choose something from your daily routine (i.e. specific foods or beverages, television, social media, other technology, etc.) and fast in that manner for the next 21 days (Daniel 10:3). Remember, the details are not as important as the attitude in which you participate.
If you have any known medical conditions, suspect such conditions or take medications regularly, consult your doctor before beginning the fast.
There are many ways to do the fast. This is, in part, due to the lack of details in the Bible as to exactly what Daniel did during his fast. So, below you will find a suggestion on how to do the fast and a list of foods to eat and foods to avoid.
How Do I Begin the Daniel Fast?
Five easy steps to help you start The Daniel Fast:
Step 1 – Set Your Objectives
Decide why you are fasting. This will enable you to pray more strategically.
Step 2 – Make Your Commitment
Choose what foods and/or activities you want to set aside and for how long.
Step 3 – Prepare Yourself Physically
Please consult your physician first before making any dietary changes, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic aliment. To prepare for a fast, we suggest gradually eating smaller meals and avoiding high-fat and sugary foods. You can then eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting the fast.
Step 4 – Set Aside Daily Times of Prayer and Bible Study
Find a specific time and place to pray and read the Bible daily. This is an important part of the journey when we believe God will begin to reveal things that will change your perspective about Him and life situations you are facing.
Step 5 – End Your Fast Gradually
You’ll want to avoid eating crazy big meals immediately after your fast. We suggest eating smaller meals or snacks each day for the first three days after the end of your fast.
What Foods Should I Eat?
Mostly Starches & Grains:
Rice, Corn, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Barely, Oats, etc.
Legumes:
Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
Fruit:
Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon
Vegetables:
Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, 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
Seeds:
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
Liquids:
Water, Herbal Teas, Honey, Natural Fruit Juices
The Following Foods are to be Avoided:
All Meats (Beef, Pork, Poultry, Eggs, etc)
All Cooking Oils
Fried Foods
Carbonated Beverages
Foods and Drinks Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar or Sugar Substitutes
Fats
Desserts
Dairy (milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, etc.)