In fasting, we are not trying to get something from God, but we are seeking to realign our hearts' affection with His. We do holy violence to the "pleasures which wage war against the soul" and open a way for the Holy Spirit's passion to dominate us. Fasting enables us to cleanse the sanctuary of our hearts of every other rival. In Daniel's fast more is stressed on the attitude of humility and confession, rather than the object sought. A Daniel Fast is not a complete abstinence of food, but simply certain select things which are enjoyable or desirable. Fasting is a time to reverence and honor our God, to be encouraged in His Word, and in our devotion to Him.

"And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;..." —Daniel 9:3-4

In the Bible, fasting is done when someone needed to draw closer to God, thus putting aside the things of this world. So, fasting is setting aside time to give ourselves totally to God; time specifically allotted by us to grow closer to the Lord.

The concept of a “Daniel Fast” comes from Daniel 1:8-20. Daniel and his three friends had been exiled to Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians had conquered Judah (2 Kings 24:13-14). Daniel and his three friends were put into the Babylonian court “servant training program.” Part of the program involved learning Babylonian customs, beliefs, laws and practices. The eating habits of the Babylonians were not in complete agreement with the Mosaic Law. As a result, Daniel asked if he and his three friends could be excused from eating the meat (which was likely sacrificed to Babylonian false gods and idols).

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself . . . Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink..." Daniel 1:8,12

So, the Daniel Fast consists of eating fruits and vegetables for a certain amount of time, and abstaining from meat products. Fasting is not intended to punish your flesh, but rather to focus on God, the goal being to bring one’s mind, body and spirit into submissive alignment with God and His perfect will for our lives.

Be prepared for opposition. Since you are denying your flesh and seeking the Lord, you may find yourself in the midst of spiritual warfare. On the day your fast begins you can bet donuts will be at the office or a friend will suddenly be inspired to cook a favorite meal. Press through. Satan tempted Jesus on the fast, and we must expect the same. take your stand on the victory of Christ. Discouragement may come in like a flood—recognize the source—pray through the spiritual battle. Spend time in prayer, worship, repentance, and reading your Bible.

And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat . . . As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom ..." —Daniel 1:15, 17

By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18) A greater glory is coming to the Church as she seeks God in fasting and prayer.

We live in a generation who needs to see and hear Jesus, through his Church. We want to be part of the Body through whom the Glory of Christ will be manifested until He returns. Please fast and pray with us.

As we find in Joel 1:14, "Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD," if you are part of another local church congregation and will be fasting and praying with us, please contact us at and let us know. We will publicly pray for both you and your church fellowship.

Important Information

The Daniel Fast is for healthy adults & teens

Since the fast is so restrictive in diet, you may eat at your discretion whenever you are hungry. It is more important in this fast to observe the diet. If you fail while fasting, don’t be discouraged. You can restart the fast at any time. The “spirit of fasting” is what matters the most. It is just between you and God.

For our brothers and sisters under a who may have special dietary needs (for health reasons, under a Doctor's care or are pregnant or nursing) and may not be able to fast from food, we simply ask that you give up what you can. Here are some examples:

• Fast from TV or video games
• Fast from chocolate or coffee
• Fast from going out to restaurants

Try to “fast” from something. Keep in mind that it should cost you something. What is meant by “cost” is this: If you are not a breakfast eater and then you decide to give up breakfast, then it is not costing you anything. Try to fast from something that you know will be difficult at times to do without.

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