The Daniel Fast is based on 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).
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 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 pleasures of this 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 the New Year ahead devoting the first 21 days to truly capturing the heart of God with clarity.
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 more mature believer who has some experience with fasting before you begin. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The Daniel Fast: Explained
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:
· fruits, nuts
· vegetables
· water only (to flush out toxins). Some people include natural fruit juices if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but it is better to avoid these as well.
· avoid meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food.
· Avoid foods with artificial additives, chemicals, or anything processed during the fast.
Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
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).