WHAT IS the DANIEL FAST? in Daniel, Chapter 1
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
WHAT IS THE DANIEL FAST? In Daniel, Chapter 1, “Daniel & his three companions refused to eat the choice meats and sweets from the king’s table, asking instead to have only vegetables and water. They did this for ten days…Later, in chapter 10, grieved over the plight of Israel, Daniel, began another partial fast, taking no sweets, no meat, and no wine for three weeks, during which time he was focused in prayer. At the end, his prayer was answered by an angel.”1 Based on the information we glean from these passages, we understand the following about the Daniel Fast: In Chapter 1, we see that Daniel ate: 1. Only fruits and vegetables 2. And drank ONLY water Which would mean that he ate no processed, artificial, or chemically altered foods. In Chapter 10, we learn that Daniel’s fast did not allow: 1. Animal products 2. Sweets 3. Alcohol 4. Bread (Jewish history tells us that all fasts excluded leavened bread products) WHY THE DANIEL FAST? Fasting should be done with a PURPOSE! “Prescription: (1) Begin your fast by defining the problems, then pray for a specific answer to the problem. (2) Fast as a spiritual commitment to God for His answer. (3) Your fast-commitment is an outer test that reflects an inner desire. (4) Your fast is a statement of faith to others. (5) The Daniel Fast is not done privately. (6) Yield all physical results to God.” What is your greatest need at this time? Take the time in prayer to decide on the purpose of your fast. When you are fasting, set time aside for prayer, meditation and Bible study. Keep a journal of your revelations, of what God is speaking to you. Fasting is hungering for more of His presence; hungering for more of His presence than you hunger for food. 1 Jentezen Franklin, Fasting, Charisma House, 2008, p. 33. Practical Principles to Remember 1. The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. (Dan. 1:17, 19-20) 2. The Daniel Fast is longer than one day. 3. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast. 4. The Daniel Fast includes healthy food. Scriptural Background on Fasting How Much? The three types of fast found in Scripture are the absolute fast, the normal fast, and the partial fast. 1. The absolute fast is extreme and should be done only for very short periods. On an absolute fast, you take in nothing – no food, no water. 2. On a normal fast, you typically go without food of any kind for a certain number of days. You do drink water, and plenty of it! You may also choose to take clear broth and juices in order to maintain your strength. 3. A partial fast usually involves giving up particular foods and drink for an extended period of time. The most commonly used example is found in the book of Daniel. How Long? There is no real formula. In the Bible we find three day fasts, seven days, twenty-one days, and forty days. But there are also references to half-day fasts and twenty-four hour fasts. The length of time you choose should depend on your circumstances. However, if it means something to you, it will mean something to God. If it doesn’t mean anything to you, it won’t mean anything to God. Don’t condemn yourself. God sees your sacrifice to draw nearer to Him. DANIEL FAST FOOD GUIDELINES All fruits – These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. All vegetables – These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. All whole grains - whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes, and popcorn. All nuts and seeds. Peanut butter. All legumes – dried beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, white beans, etc. Beverages – spring water, distilled water or other THOSE WITH PRE-EXISTING HEALTH ISSUES/PREGNANT/NURSING MOTHERS, ETC If it is not possible to completely participate in the Daniel Fast due to health concerns that is perfectly fine. Maybe you can eliminate one or a few things from your diet. God understands. He is most interested in your heart, not if you can follow the eating plan. DANIEL FAST RECIPES http://www.vega-licious.com/category/vegan-recipes/ http://daniel-fast.com/myrecipes/ http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com/ .