Prepare Spiritually:
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
Prepare Physically:
If you have health concerns, consult your doctor prior to beginning a fast and explain what you plan to do. This is especially important if you take prescription medications or have a chronic ailment.
Start with a clear goal:
Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you fasting for the salvation of loved ones? Are you facing financial difficulties? Are you seeking to be closer to God? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily for these things and spend as much time as possible reading the Bible.
Starting on January 5th, Next City Church will be doing a 21 Day Corporate Daniel Fast. In addition to food, we encourage you to maintain a “clean vessel.” Make an extra effort to refrain from critical speaking and
spreading negative words about or to anyone else.
Also, during week one of the fast - we are calling for a media fast [TV, social media, etc.]. Replace that time you spend on these things that can distract with prayer and Bible study. That time with Jesus will produce dramatic change in your life.
Fasting can cause mild discomfort, such as headaches and irritability, during withdrawal from caffeine and sugar. You may also experience backaches during the fast; however, drinking plenty of water should help alleviate the pain. Naturally, you will feel hungry. The most important thing to remember is that fasting brings about miraculous results. It is the sacrifice, combined with the right attitude of heart, that reaches out to God.
What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a spiritual fast inspired by the Biblical story of Daniel (Daniel 1:12; Daniel 10:2-3). It focuses on eating simple, whole foods while abstaining from processed, rich, or indulgent items.
This fast, like many others, are designed to draw closer to God through prayer, sacrifice, and reliance on Him.
This fast, like many others, are designed to draw closer to God through prayer, sacrifice, and reliance on Him.
What foods can I eat on the Daniel Fast?
Fasting is meant to be a personal and feasible discipline, not an unattainable burden. Choose what works for you and approach it with sincerity. Do your best and trust God with the rest.
- Fruits: Fresh, frozen, dried, or canned.
- Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, millet, and other unprocessed grains.
- Legumes: Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas.
- Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, etc.
- Healthy Oils: Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, etc. (in moderation).
- Beverages: Water (can be infused with lemon, cucumber, or mint for variety).
- Fruits: Fresh, frozen, dried, or canned.
- Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, millet, and other unprocessed grains.
- Legumes: Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas.
- Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, etc.
- Healthy Oils: Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, etc. (in moderation).
- Beverages: Water (can be infused with lemon, cucumber, or mint for variety).
What foods should I avoid?
Fasting is meant to be a personal and feasible discipline, not an unattainable burden. Choose what works for you and approach it with sincerity. Do your best and trust God with the rest.
- Meat and animal product
- Sweeteners (sugar or artificial sweeteners).
- Leavened bread (breads made with yeast or baking powder).
- Processed foods and additives (prepackaged snacks, artificial flavors, etc.).
- Meat and animal product
- Sweeteners (sugar or artificial sweeteners).
- Leavened bread (breads made with yeast or baking powder).
- Processed foods and additives (prepackaged snacks, artificial flavors, etc.).
What can my children fast?
If children or your family wish to participate, consider giving up desserts, soft drinks, or specific foods that represent a true sacrifice. For example, giving up broccoli when they don’t enjoy it isn’t meaningful. Lead by example to help them understand the heart of fasting. You can also fast non-food items as a family, such as giving up TV, and instead spend time together in Bible study and prayer.
What if I have a medical condition?
If you have a health concern, consult your doctor before starting a fast. Together, determine what’s safe and manageable. If fasting food isn’t possible, consider giving up something else significant in your life and dedicate that time to prayer and Bible study.
What if I start and can’t complete my fast—has it been wasted?
No effort to seek God is ever wasted. God values your heart and intent. If you find yourself unable to finish, don’t be discouraged. Commit to trying again or completing your fast in a modified way, such as transitioning to a partial fast.
I forgot and ate something. Do I need to start over?
Not at all. Fasting is a journey, not a race. If you stumble, simply recommit and continue. Overcoming challenges like this is part of the process of spiritual growth.
Source: https://citycentral.org
