The Daniel Fast

 

This information was primarily taken from the book  “Fasting For Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts” by Elmer L. Towns, published in 1996 by Regal Books, Ventura, California.

 

Our body is designed to heal itself. When a disease enters our body from bad dietary habits or from the outside, our bodies begin to fight it. Doctors, surgery, or medicines are most often designed to remove the source of the problem, but the healing is done by the body itself. Many common diseases are easily prevented with basic good nutrition and exercise habits.

 

 STEP ONE: BE SPECIFIC

Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

 

1. The king’s food was against dietary laws.

2. Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.

3. The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.

 

 

STEP TWO: FAST AS A SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT

The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Dan. 1:8).

 

STEP THREE: REFLECT INNER DESIRE BY OUTER DISCIPLINE

Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that were not good for health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health may be linked to any of the following factors:

 

a. Your food choices.

b. The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.

c. Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.

d. Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body.

 

Faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

 

STEP FOUR: PRAY TO PERCEIVE SIN’S ROLE IN POOR HEALTH

Notice James 5:13-16:

 

• Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.

• Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.

• Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.

• Repentance is linked to health according to James.

• Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.

• Sick people must desire to be well

• The anointing oil could mean

          1. medicine for healing,

          2. symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or

          3. it could be baptism

• Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.

• In Greek there are several words for “sick”. James uses “Kanino”, which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.

• Attitude is important. James said, “are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

 

STEP FIVE: FAST AS A STATEMENT OF FAITH TO OTHERS

Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.

 

STEP SIX: LEARN THE EFFECTS OF THE FOOD YOU EAT

Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again. 

 

STEP SEVEN: YIELD ALL RESULTS TO GOD

Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).

 

REMEMBER:

 

• The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. “to those four young men God gave knowledge”.

• The Daniel Fast is longer than one day. These young men fasted for ten days.

• The Daniel Fast is a partial fast. They ate, but only vegetables and water.

• The Daniel Fast requires abstinence from party or junk foods.

• There is no indication that they ever began to eat the king’s food.

 

GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST

(Foods We May Eat)

 

Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley

 

Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas

 

Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantelope, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Rasberries, Strawberries, Tangeloes, Tangerines, Watermelon

 

Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini

 

Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts

 

Liquids: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices

 

(Foods to Avoid)

 

Meat

White Rice

Fried Foods

Caffeine

Carbonated Beverages

Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives

Refined Sugar

Sugar Substitutes

White Flour and All Products Using It

Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products