Fasting has become increasingly popular in current culture. However, it's usually aimed at health benefits including weight loss, more energy, and better vitality of life. It's sadly not often a spiritual practice in popular culture.
Spiritual fasting is an ancient Biblical practice that Jesus and others demonstrated. More importantly, Jesus has told us to fast. In giving up the enjoyment and variety of food, we're able to position ourselves in a posture of seeking God and finding moments in the day to seek him. We have less to look forward too in terms of food, but more to look forward to in seeking him. No matter where you are in your spiritual walk, you can fast.
The Daniel fast is based on Daniel in the Old Testament, who fasted to seek the Lord and abstain from walking in sin while in Babylonian captivity. He ate a diet of vegetables and water and spent that time praying regularly. Daniel 1 tells us that Daniel grew in skill, knowledge, favour, and even appearance. Daniel's fasting brought great benefits and breakthroughs to Daniel and his friends. Let's take a look at some common questions that center around the Daniel fast.
What should we eat as part of a Daniel fast?
All Fruit (fresh, frozen, juiced, or canned)
All vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned)
All whole grains
All nuts and seeds
All legumes
all vegetable-based oils
Water and natural fruit juices if necessary
Soya products, salt, and herbs and spices in moderation
What should we avoid?
All meat and animal products
All dairy products
All sweeteners
All leavened bread
All refined and processed food products
All deep-fried foods
All solid fats
Most beverages
What should I do while fasting?
It's good to dedicate time out to pray and seek the Lord, by allocating an unbroken portion of time each day, and by pausing throughout the day to pray and listen for his voice. If you're a big TV watcher or social media browser, this is a time to do less of that and refocus on spiritual practices. Spend time reading the Word, worshipping, waiting on the Lord, and praying. It's good to journal and record what you are hearing the Lord say each day. Even if it's just a few lines. Here are some prayer guidelines to pray into:
Personal breakthrough
Overcome addiction and temptation
Pray for the people of Noordhoek, our valley, and Cape Town
Pray for our country and our leaders
Pray for your neighbours and for opportunities to connect with them
Pray that we would see people come to know Jesus
Pray for our church and the needs we're trusting God for
Pray for a greater measure of his presence
Pray for a deeper walk with the Lord, and a new revelation of his goodness
Remember that our greatest reward in fasting is God himself, not just the need for a breakthrough. Nothing can ever satisfy us more than Jesus, and as we take time to wait on him, we will find him. Don't give up after a few minutes of praying, press in and give God time to reveal himself to you. Deciding to do a Daniel fast is a significant decision and one that will no doubt draw you closer to Jesus.
Comments