We are here again at this time of year when we set aside 21 days to pray and fast to start the new year. But say the word “fast” and people begin to ask questions. The Bible mentions fasting over 70 times and includes many examples of people fasting. The reasons? Mostly spiritual breakthrough but other examples, include times to seek God for victory and/or direction. Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that have been practiced by Christians for centuries. There are many different types of fasting: including the normal fast, partial fast, absolute fast, intermittent fast, and corporate fast. The fast we are joining in with our Foursquare brethren all over the world, it is the Daniel Fast…(which is a partial fast), for 21 days, starting…Jan 5th.
Where Can I Read About the Daniel fast in the Bible?
The Daniel Fast is a method of spiritual fasting based on the prophet Daniel's experience fasting according to the book of Daniel in the Bible.
There are two passages that teach us what the Daniel Fast is based on:
1) "Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables [pulses] to eat and water to drink." Daniel 1:12
2) "In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." Daniel 10: 2-3
Sadly in Daniel’s day he was being held captive in Babylon (Iraq) by the Babylonians. He with three other companions, (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) all were being groomed to serve in the court of the King as scribes and scholars because they could read and write. So as was the custom they were given the best to eat, rich foods, sweets, and other Babylonian delicacies, that were reserved only for the kings best. But Daniel, also knowing that these foods were offered to idols, (for their blessings) told his attendants, “let us eat vegetables, and drink water for 10 days.” This is where we learn of the 10 day Daniel fast. Then later, in a time of mourning and seeking God, Daniel proclaims a 21 day fast. Daniels said this, in pertaining to this type of fast, “I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
From this experience Daniel was said to gain knowledge, wisdom, spiritual understanding, favor, and even better appearance (Daniel 1:15-20) in addition to answered prayer and spiritual insight (Daniel 10:11-12). So the idea behind the fast is that you would set aside other foods and focus on eating plant-based meals as an act of worship and sacrifice, for 21 days.
What Can I Eat During the Daniel Fast?
The only acceptable foods explicitly listed in the scripture are water and vegetables. However the term "pulse" is used in the King James Version, which means "bean or seed grown for food." This gives permission to those on the Daniel Fast to eat whole grains, fruits, and other plant-based foods — everything else if off limits.
Whole grains: Barley, brown rice, buckwheat, grits, millet, oats, popcorn, quinoa, rice cakes, rye, whole wheat, whole-wheat pasta, and wild rice.
Beans and legumes: Black beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, pinto beans, and split peas.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, natural nut butters (no additives), peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pistachios, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, soy nuts sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
Vegetables: All vegetables whether fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
Fruits: All fruit whether fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned (so long as it doesn't contain added sugar).
Oils: Oils can be used minimally, but not for deep-frying. Herbs, spices, and seasonings: Includes salt and pepper.
Soy products: All soy products including tofu.
Unleavened bread: Whole grain breads made without yeast, sugars, or preservatives.
Water: Distilled, filtered, sparkling, spring, and mineral waters allowed.
100-percent fruit juice: Natural, 100-percent fruit juice is allowed but should be had sparingly.
What Can't I Eat on the Daniel Fast?
Animal products: All meat, dairy, seafood, and eggs.
Sweeteners: Agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, brown rice syrup, brown sugar, cane juice, corn syrup, honey, malt syrup, molasses, raw sugar, sugar, and other syrups.
Leavened bread: Bread made with yeast.
Refined and processed foods: Foods that contain artificial flavorings, artificial preservatives, food additives, white flour, and white rice.
Deep-fried foods: All fried foods.
Solid fats: Butter, lard, margarine, and shortening.
Chocolate: Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate syrup, and cacao.
Some beverages: Alcohol, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages. (if your highly addicted to caffeine don’t quit cold turkey...wean yourself a little at a time before the fast starts).
From a spiritual perspective, a Daniel Fast can be a helpful way to focus on God. Changing our habits and not relying so much on the comforts of food can be a physical reminder that we rely on God. True satisfaction is found only in Him. Those wanting to use the Daniel Fast in this way should be certain of their motives and make steps to use the fast in a way that will be spiritually beneficial. Also, be certain to prepare in advance for the dietary changes. Without proper preparation, the Daniel Fast could cause an overemphasis on food instead of being a tool for spiritual growth. The most important thing is take the time you would normally eat, and spend some time eating his Word, and in prayer. Please join us, and millions of Foursquare brothers and sisters all over the world as we consecrate these 21 days to seek the Lord for 2025!
Jesus loves you and so do I, and may you have a blessed and Happy New Year! ~Pastor Doug
