Daniel Fast Overview (2009)

The Daniel Fast is a spiritual discipline designed to better connect us with God. It is
important to remember that the intent of any fast is to deny ourselves something
that we would normally do in order to focus more specifically on the Lord and
prayer. We are praying that hundreds of people will come to faith in Christ during
this time. This will be a challenging process, but we look forward to seeing what
God does in our church and experiencing him with intensity during the 21 days of
the fast.

Who:

The entire Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church

When:

January 21, 2010

What:

The Daniel fast is a specific fast during which we would refrain from many of the
rich foods we might enjoy throughout the year. In considering the Daniel fast, it is
best for each of us to prayerfully determine what things we will eat or not eat. The
Bible does not give us specific details, but rather says Daniel refrained from the
King’s rich foods, and ate vegetables and drank water.

*If you have any known medical conditions or suspect such conditions, consult your
doctor before beginning the fast.
Things You’ll Need:

• Bible

• A place and time(s) to pray

• Faith

• Good variety of fruits and vegetables

Steps:

• Make your meals somewhat lighter for a few days leading up to your fast.

• When you have finished fasting, eat light meals and slowly build back up to
your normal diet.

• Avoid distraction. This is a sacred time between you and God.

• Start off with an unselfish prayer several times during the day.

• Spend time with God and in studying the Bible.

• Envision and create goals and work on plans to enrich and improve the
quality of your life.

• Pray three times a day.

• Ask for God’s guidance in your life.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast…

All fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch for added
sugar).

Apples Mulberry Boysenberries

Coconuts Raisins Guava

Limes Berries Oranges

Pineapples Grapefruit Tangerines

Apricots Nectarines Breadfruit

Cranberries Raspberries Honeydew melons

Mangoes Blackberries Papayas

Plums Grapes Watermelon

Avocados Oats Cantaloupe

Dates Strawberries Kiwi

Melons Blueberries Peaches

Prunes Grenadine Cherries

Bananas Olives Lemons

Figs Tangelos Pears

Vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch salt
content).

Artichokes Peppers Mushrooms

Collard greens Turnips Legumes:

Mustard greens Cabbage Dried beans

Sprouts Ginger root Black eyed peas

Asparagus Potatoes Beans

Corn Watercress Black beans

Okra Carrots Green beans

Squashes Kale Lentils

Beets Radishes Cannellini

Cucumbers Yams Green peas

Onions Cauliflower Lupines

Sweet potatoes Leeks Pinto beans

Broccoli Rutabagas Kidney beans

Eggplant Zucchini White beans

Parsley Celery Split peas

Tomatoes Lettuce Peanuts

Brussel sprouts Scallions Peanut butter (natural)

Garlic Chili peppers Peas

Seeds: All nuts raw, unsalted

Cashews Walnuts Sunflower

Sesame Almonds Natural Almond Butter

Sprouts Ground flax

Whole Grains:

Whole Wheat Millet Whole wheat pasta

Rolled oats Barley Plain oatmeal (not

instant)
Whole wheat tortillas Quinoa
Popcorn (see recipe in
Brown rice Oats FAQ’s
Plain rice cakes Grits (no butter)

Liquids:

Water (spring, distilled, Herbal (caffeine free) 100% fruit/vegetable

filtered) tea juice

Other:

Small amounts of olive Small amounts of sea Soy products

oil salt
Tofu
Spices (read the label Small amounts of
to be sure there are no honey
preservatives) Small amounts of
Herbs
Ezekiel bread
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast…

All animal products Refined foods High fat products

including all meat,
poultry, fish… Processed foods Butter

White rice Food additives All leavened breads

White bread Refined sugar Baked goods

All deep fried foods Sugar substitutes All dairy

Caffeine Raw sugar Milk

Coffee (including decaf Syrups Cheese

because contains small Molasses Yogurt
amount of caffeine)
Caned juice Cream
Carbonated beverages
White flour Eggs
Energy drinks
Margarine Alcohol
Foods containing
preservatives, Shortening Mayonnaise
additives

Common FAQ’s
What about prepared foods?

Read the labels of all prepared foods. Remember the Daniel Fast is sugar-free and
chemical-free. So, if you use any canned fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, or
prepared sauces you must read the label to be aware about just what is in there.

What about pasta?

Make sure the label says whole grain pasta with no additives (watch for sugar).
Whole grain pasta offers 7 grams of protein per serving (3/4 cup of dried pasta).

I know it says raw, unsalted nuts, but what about roasted nuts?

The goal would be to stick to raw, unsalted nuts. But these are harder to find so in a
pinch just make sure you get plain roasted, unsalted nuts with no preservatives.

How do I get enough protein in my diet while on the fast?

The following are protein-rich foods that are allowed on the Daniel Fast… almonds,
sunflower seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains, and tofu.

What kind of peanut butter is allowed?

A natural peanut butter with no additives…watch for sugars including molasses.

Smucker’s creamy natural peanut butter has nothing but peanuts in it.

What about popcorn?

Corn is listed in the vegetables to eat list. You can use a pot on the stove…here is a
recipe.

1) Put two tbsp. of olive oil in the bottom of a large pot.

2) Add enough popcorn to cover the bottom of the pan.

3) Turn heat to medium high. Look for the first popcorn kernel to pop.

4) Put the lid on the pot. Using potholders shake the pot over the burner.

5) Continue shaking until you no longer hear kernels popping. Remove from heat.

How can I identify whole grain foods?

Typically if the ingredient lists "whole wheat", "rolled oats", or "whole corn" as the
first ingredient, the product is a whole grain food item. Another way to identify
whole grains in the foods you eat is to look in the nutritional facts information and
check if the food item contains dietary fiber. If it contains a significant amount, it
most likely contains whole grains. "Wheat flour" is not a whole grain and therefore
does not indicate a whole grain product.

What about salad dressing?

Olive oil and lemon or lime is an option.

Do I need to eat organic foods while on the fast?

No, but it is suggested because organic foods are produced without the use of feed
or fertilizer of plant or animal origin and without employment of chemically
formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides.

Where can I go out to eat?

Fasting while at work can be a challenge. Many people have mandatory lunch
meetings or get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to pack a Daniel fast
friendly lunch. This can be challenging being in a restaurant that serves all the
foods you love will test your resolve. Here are a few suggestions. Make a Daniel
fast friendly salad dressing from the recipe section and carry it with you in a small
container. Most restaurants serve salads, even McDonald’s has a salad to choose
from…just ask them to leave off the meat. If you forget your salad dressing ask for
lemons and squeeze fresh lemon juice over your salad, and add salt and pepper to
taste. Other ideas include ordering a baked potato and streamed vegetables. Make
sure you ask them to hold the butter, sour cream, etc. Just the potato.

There are a few restaurants with Daniel fast friendly menus—Chipotle and
Applebee’s have a steamed vegetable plate and a sizzling vegetable skillet
(remember, no butter).

What about bread?

We are recommending the Ezekiel bread found in the freezer section of your
grocery/health food store.

How much can I eat?

As long as they are the appropriate foods, we are recommending eating until
satisfied with no limits.
Scriptures on Fasting:

Exodus 34:28 Moses

Leviticus 16:29-31 Day of Atonement

Leviticus 23:27-32 Day of Atonement

1 Samuel 1:7, 8 Hannah’s Prayer

2 Samuel 12:16-23 David for Bathsheba’s child

1 Kings 13:8-24 Elijah

1 Kings 19:8 Elijah’s journey to Horeb

1 Kings21:27 By Ahab in self-humiliation

2 Chron. 20:3 Proclaimed by Jehoshaphat

Ezra 8:21-23 Proclaimed by Ezra

Neh. 1:4 By Nehemiah

Neh. 9:1 People of Jerusalem confessing sin

Esther 4:16 Called by Esther

Job 33:19, 20 As a result of sickness and pain

Isaiah 58 Fasting which pleases God

Jeremiah 14:12 That which is unacceptable

Joel 2:12 Returning to God with whole heart

Matthew 6:16-18 Not as hypocrites do

Matthew 17:21 Only by prayer and fasting

Luke 2:37 Anna worshiping in temple

Luke 4:2 Jesus’ 40-day fast

Luke 18:12 Self-righteous and boastful

Acts 9:9 Saul of Tarsus

Acts 10:30 Cornelius when angel appeared

Acts 13:2, 3 By prophets and teachers in Antioch

Acts 14:23 At appointment of elders

Romans 14:21 Abstaining for sake of weaker one

1 Cor. 7:5 In marriage relationship

2 Cor. 6:5 Ingredients of Apostolic ministry

(from God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis)

Why You Should Fast

By Dr. Bill Bright

If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some
very important facts:

• Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras.
For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40
days and reminded His followers to fast, “when you fast,” not if you fast.

• Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the “first love” for your Lord and
result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.

• Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm
35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humble myself through fasting.”

• Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition,
resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.

• The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will
become more meaningful to you!

• Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal
experience.

• Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make
you a channel of revival to others.

• Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirement of II
Chronicles 7:14:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and
seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
21 Day Prayer Focus

WEEK 1

March 22 – Day 1

Today is the beginning of the fast. It doesn’t matter where you are in your
relationship with God, these 21 days of prioritizing the Lord over essential needs in
your life will draw you closer to him. It is our prayer that God will help you to stay
focus and visualize how you will resemble him more closely at the end of these 21
days. Each day there will be a prayer focus. We will focus on three different areas
of need.

Pray for God’s Covering for the Fast

• Pray for our commitment to the plan and to each other

• Pray that God will draw us closer to Him and transform whatever needs to be
changed in our lives

• Pray that God prepares our hearts for what we will receive from Him

March 23 – Day 2

All those that are in authority

Pray for Godly leaders who can shape the policy and funding of our churches, city,
state, country and world to improve the morals, education, safety, economy, and
political structure.
• Church and Community Leaders

• Local and State Leaders

• National and World Leaders

March 24 – Day 3

Families

Pray we would depend on God and recognize that He will meet all of our needs.
Pray for the families in our church, improved communication in marriages, singles
who are focused on their commitment to the Lord, children and teenagers who will
obey their parents and follow the Lord.

• Marriages

• Singles

• Teenagers/Children

March 25 – Day 4

Finances

Pray for the finances of our church members. Pray that we be faithful to the Lord
and that He provide his blessing for us.

• Stewardship

• Unemployment

• Increase
March 26 – Day 5

Addictions

Pray for those in our church who are personally or who have someone living in their
home that is battling alcohol or drug addiction. Pray for the teenagers and children
who have parents with addiction struggles. Pray for God’s breakthrough for them
from the patterns and behaviors that are damaging their lives and relationships.

March 27 – Day 6

Healing

Pray for physical healing of those battling illness, diseases and injury. Pray for them
to have an increase in faith to believe that with God all things are possible. Pray for
the strength of their families and peace from the anxiety and fears associated with
the illness and injury of a loved one.

March 28 – Day 7

Wisdom
Pray today that God would provide all of the resources necessary to possess the
land that GHMBC needs to bring transformation. Ask God to give our Pastor and
leaders wisdom to make the right decisions concerning the direction of our church.

WEEK 2

March 29 – Day 8

Faith

Pray today for an increase in your personal faith. Ask God to show you that which
you believe is impossible, and then specifically ask Him to give you the faith to
entrust Him with the responsibility of it. Ask God to give you a refreshing measure
of faith to believe with Him all things are possible.

March 30 – Day 9

Perseverance & Strength

We hope you’ve stayed to your commitment up to this point. If you haven’t, then
today is the day to recommit. Pray that God will renew your commitment and give
you the strength to recommit to him. If you’ve been going strong, ask him to give
you a renewal of passion to keep on going with this journey.

March 31 – Day 10
Children & Young People

Pray today for our children and young people. Pray that God will do a mighty work
in their lives and that we will see young people give their lives to the Lord. Pray for
spiritual renewal in the lives of many young people and that their lives will be
influential in the lives of their friends.

April 1 – Day 11

Leader Servants of Ministries

Pray for those that are involved in areas of ministry at GHMBC. Ask the Lord that
they will be able to reach the people with the life transforming hope brought by
Jesus Christ. Pray that God will enable them to see the work He is doing in their
lives and the supernatural hope and provision He wants to bring to that area.

April 2 – Day 12

Persecution of Christians

Pray for the nations where Christians are persecuted and killed for their faith. Pray
for strength and passion for them as they face intense challenges to sharing their
faith with others. Pray for the protection of their families from the physical threat of
government and local religious leaders who oppose them. Pray for great favor for
them amongst their people that many will surrender to the call of Jesus Christ.

April 3 – Day 13

Sharing your Faith

Pray for the opportunity to share your faith with someone who does not have a
relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that God would open the doors and align your
path with someone who needs the power and salvation of a new relationship with
the Lord. Pray that God will give you the courage to share when the door opens.

April 4 – Day 14

Spiritual Protection

Pray for the spiritual protection and warfare of our church body. The devil comes to
steal, kill, and destroy, but we have been and are covered by the Blood of Jesus
Christ. He has disarmed, disgraced, and defeated the devil and we need to remind
the devil of what happened on the Cross of Calvary. Pray for the protection of your
family and put on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20.

WEEK 3

April 5 – Day 15

All those that are in authority

Pray for Godly leaders who can shape the policy and funding of our churches, city,
state, country and world to improve the morals, education, safety, economy, and
political structure.

• Church and Community Leaders

• Local and State Leaders

• National and World Leaders

April 6 – Day 16

Families

Pray we would depend on God and recognize that He will meet all of our needs.
Pray for the families in our church, improved communication in marriages, singles
who are focused on their commitment to the Lord, children and teenagers who will
obey their parents and follow the Lord.

• Marriages

• Singles

• Teenagers/Children

April 7 – Day 17

Finances

Pray for the finances of our church members. Pray that we be faithful to the Lord
and that He provide his blessing for us.

• Stewardship

• Unemployment
• Increase

April 8 – Day 18

Addictions

Pray for those in our church who are personally or who have someone living in their
home that is battling alcohol or drug addiction. Pray for the teenagers and children
who have parents with addiction struggles. Pray for God’s breakthrough for them
from the patterns and behaviors that are damaging their lives and relationships.

April 9 – Day 19

Healing

Pray for physical healing of those battling illness, diseases and injury. Pray for them
to have an increase in faith to believe that with God all things are possible. Pray for
the strength of their families and peace from the anxiety and fears associated with
the illness and injury of a loved one.

April 10 – Day 20

Wisdom

Pray today that God would provide all of the resources necessary to possess the
land that GHMBC needs to bring transformation. Ask God to give our Pastor and
leaders wisdom to make the right decisions concerning the direction of our church.
April 11 – Day 21

Today is the final day of our emphasis. Whenever you complete a major
accomplishment it is always time to celebrate. So today is a day of praise. Shout to
God and sing to Him and call out the praises He so rightly deserves. Celebrate with
Him the changes you have experienced and blessings He has provided.

Take today to write out some reflections of what God has spoken to you doing this
emphasis of focusing on the Lord. What has He shown you about distractions?
What have you learned about your relationship with Him? How has He blessed you?
How has He stretched you? Going forward…How should this change your life?
Write this out and pray about implementing a new relationship and commitment
with God in the future.