The Daniel Fast is just one type of fasting that’s modeled after accounts in the Bible. Biblical fasting is the restriction of food for spiritual reasons. And we find followers fasting throughout the Old and New Testaments.
The Scripture speaks of three types of fasting:
- Partial Fasting – Daniel engaged in a partial fast as recorded in Daniel 10:2, 3, “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” We don’t know for sure why Daniel didn’t totally abstain from food, because it appears that he did so in the fast recorded in Chapter 9. However, for some reason, Daniel engaged in a partial fast to seek the Lord’s wisdom.
- Normal Fast - This is the fast that Jesus did when he went into the wilderness. He ate no food and appears to have had only water. The reason scholars conclude that he drank water while on this fast was because the Scripture says he was hungry, but did not say he was thirsty. The devil tempted Jesus with bread, but not with water. So we assume this was a water only fast.
- Absolute Fast – This is when no food and no liquids are consumed. It’s the rare fast and only mentioned a few times in the Bible. Paul, during his Damascus Road experience “was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” We can’t tell for sure if this was because he was so shocked by what was happening with him or if it was for spiritual purposes.
In Ezra 10 we find the prophet so distraught over the actions of the people that he went into great mourning and praying before the Lord. At this time he neither ate nor drank for at least one night and perhaps longer.
There are a few examples of 40-day absolute fasts where the men must have been sustained supernaturally. Moses, on two separate occasions when he was before God, neither ate nor drank. Elijah seems to have traveled across the desert for 40 days while eating no food nor drinking any water. He was ministered to by an angel who gave him water and cakes.
These are just some accounts of the fasting recorded in the Bible. There are many more, and not necessarily a standard. Daniel fasted for 21 days, Jesus for 40, Ezra for one night, Cornelius for 4 days, Paul for 3. It seems that all these people were seeking God through their fasting and perhaps the Lord led them in the “design” of their fast.
In January, thousands of men and women will come together in unity for a 21-day fast. Most will use the Daniel Fast as their form of fasting. I have heard several pastors say they will engage in a normal fast for 21 days and some for 30 days. I’ve read of men and women of God who have fasted from all food for 40 days — usually just a few times in their lives.
I think the important point of fasting not have a specific pattern or legalistic form is that it be Spirit-led. Before you decide the form of fasting you will use, seek the Lord. Ask Him to direct you, then trust that He will show you how to fast as you enter into this spiritual discipline to draw closer to Him.
Solomon Ajayi said,
March 13, 2012 at 9:01 am
I have found a good material resource
Moses Alogo said,
February 28, 2012 at 6:54 pm
Tnx 4 your explanation
Chris Bartley said,
November 7, 2011 at 11:56 am
Your explanation of the types of fasting has been very beneficial as I seek His face for this next phase of my life that’s, presently, unclear. Thank you!
Mitzie Nichelle said,
June 23, 2011 at 11:50 am
nice…
Mrs Morobe said,
April 4, 2011 at 11:13 am
Types of fasting and how to start fasting
Daniel Fast Team said,
April 12, 2011 at 11:32 am
Hi Mrs Morobe,
The Daniel Fast is a type of fast based on the Daniel 1:12 and Daniel 10:3 fasting experiences of the prophet along with typical Jewish fasting principles. We are not trying to reenact the prophet’s fast, but rather use the experiences to serve as guidelines for a partial fast that can be experienced by people today. You can find lots of information about the Daniel Fast on this blog and at my website: http://www.Daniel-Fast.com. If you don’t have one already you can order a copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines by going to http://www.daniel-fast.com and enter your email address, they will be emailed back to you, this is a great resource to have on hand while on your fast. I hope this helps!
Matikho josephat said,
March 23, 2011 at 5:05 am
May the ALMIGHTY GOD to great things to you coz your work has really helped me alot.You have given us an earthly encouragement which has a real manifestation in heaven.I have seen you inspiration in you and may GOD continue to bless and add you hands abunduntly
Daniel Fast Team said,
March 23, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Hi Matikho,
Thank you for your kind, encouraging words. God is good!
johan heyns said,
March 22, 2011 at 7:03 am
i’m a 26 year old man from south africa. we are on a fast at the moment and when times come that you get hungry or dismaid i go to this website. THANK YOU FOR EACH INCOURAGEMENT AND TESTIMONY. IT MAKES IT EASIER IF YOU SEE WHAT GOD DID FOR PEOPLE AFTER A FAST.
lydia said,
February 8, 2011 at 12:43 am
thankyou
ruth makoni said,
January 11, 2011 at 5:20 am
im doing a 21DAY Daniels Fast & i feel soo close to God, talking to Him often. Just today i prayed & He answered! Amen
linda said,
January 8, 2011 at 8:07 am
IS this a all day fast or times as of 6am to2pm
Daniel Fast Team said,
January 8, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Hi Linda,
This is a 24/7 for 21 days fast.
Ahshaky said,
November 17, 2010 at 6:32 am
I can testify of how great and benificial fasting can be. I’ve attempted the normal fast by drinking water only, initially the body craves for food but as I continued and remained steadfast with it, it all just subsided and as I said you feel great. Just stay focused on the Lord and not on your appetite and believe me you will reap the benifit in which you were looking. I personally believe prior to fasting one should seek the Lord in pray and there is this inner feeling that gives you the go ahead to begin your fast.
May God richly bless you Susan and anyone who is interested in fasting.
valerie said,
November 9, 2010 at 3:17 am
hi all thank all for what i have read iam on a forty days fast but i did it 10 days only one meal a day then next ten fruits and veggies the next ten only water now im on my last ten with no food or water it has been a blessing i need everyone to keep me in prayer for these last ten days which start today the lord led me to this site and i thank jesus for this and thank you for beliving in jesus christ
Zanele said,
February 18, 2010 at 4:26 am
Please share any easy and simple fast as I need to ask for forgiveness and seek guidance from GOD. I am new at this and would like to know what am I allowed to eat and drink at what times of the day.
Regards,
Susan Gregory said,
February 19, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Hi Zanele,
The blog and the site at http://Daniel-Fast.com is packed with information about the Daniel Fast. Also, you can join the mailing list at the site and the food list for the Daniel Fast will be sent to you immediately.
God is so good and when we draw near to Him . . . He will draw near to us.
Be blessed, dear one!
shirly maria said,
April 28, 2009 at 11:05 pm
I believe when you are close to God every day in prayer you are almost fasting everyday. BY the time you finished your morning session in prayer with GOD your breakfast is skipped by itself, or when the presence of GOD takes you more deeper in prayer you are with GOD feasting while you are really fasting for the whole day, you have no rememberence of your food. so I believe there is intentional fastind also fasting which GOD takes when you are close to him.
When you decide to fast, you also decide to eat, when to fast when to eat, but when God decides fasting for you, You no more hv chance to decide when to eat.
Choose God given fastings.
Susan Gregory said,
May 2, 2009 at 8:02 am
Hi Shirly Marie,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about “God given fastings.” It sounds like you live a devoted life in Christ and have discovered the power and beauty of walking in the spirit.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline designed by our Father and used by many as recorded in the Bible. Daniel was a powerful man of God and fasted many times, three of which are recorded in the Book of Daniel. Of course many others in the Old Testament fasted – one of my favorite writers is Isaiah.
Of course, the New Testament also recorded many times of fasting, including Jesus, Paul and the disciples.
Entering into a period of prayer and fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline designed by God for His people. For me, this is another example of His great love for us. He is so good!
Jonathan said,
January 17, 2009 at 12:21 am
I am just curious to know that even though Jesus Christ did not eat anything for the entire 40 days it is consistently assumed that all he drank was water? Within the gospels it does not say, in fact it is silent about this particular assumption made by many people that Jesus drank water only.
I challenge anyone to find hardcore evidence that Jesus drank water only! I am sure there were other liquids available to Him during this time of fasting. But yet again scripture is silent on it but historical, geographical and cultural settings are not silent about the availability of other liquids.
kattie quick said,
January 8, 2009 at 12:01 pm
New Greater St James , has been on this fast for the second year. Our church go on this fast once a year. Some people go because they want to get spiritual strength from God. We are on our 4th day and when I started I had a bad headache for the first couple of days. But, now it is better and we are also on the Absolue Fast with the Danial Fast. We fast from 1-5-25-09 and it is from 6am-3pm Absolute, and Danial 3pm-6am. We are eating certain foods during Danial and no foods during Absolute Fasting.
NELL WATSON said,
August 10, 2009 at 7:01 am
good morning. I read your blog, and I am really interested in the particulars of how you did the fasting. I have committed myself to a fast at the beginning of Sept, and I’m reading all I can get about it. I used to fast a lot many years ago, since then, I’m considerably older, and take medications, and when I have tried , I always fail, but, the combination may work for me.. Please e_me with with what ever you can tell me…
Asister in Christ, Nell W.
Susan Gregory said,
August 11, 2009 at 6:03 am
Good morning Nell,
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast that consists of health-giving foods and lot of pure water. I receive many testimonies from men and women who find this way of eating so helpful to their bodies that they decide to make permanent changes to their diet after the fast.
I do believe it’s important to keep the development of self-discipline as a goal during the Daniel Fast for those who struggle with staying on diets or fasts. Take the focus off the food and put it on developing this powerful fruit of the spirit and you will likely find greater success.
I hope this helps!
Susan Gregory said,
June 1, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Hi Philani,
Won’t it be wonderful when we are with Christ and can ask Him all these details? There is so much we don’t know for sure in the Scripture. Thankfully, the most important message of the Word is clear! Christ became the sacrificial lamb and because He died, we live! Amen.
I hope the very best for you on your fast.
philani said,
May 26, 2008 at 3:41 am
Assumptions are dangerous. You can not say that they are entirely correct. The scripture does not say Christ drank water during His fast, neither does it say He did not. It simple says He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. The literal meaning of fasting is total abstinence from edibles. Therefore its improper to say because the verse says He was hungry it proves that he had been drinking water. By the way hunger means an uneasy sensation felt when one has not eaten for some time. It also means a strong desire for something, be it food, water etc
During the Daniel Fast said,
December 15, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Fast unto the Lord! He wants our pure hearts.
Read from Isaiah 58:
“ In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.
Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the LORD?
“ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“ If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Those from among you
Shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
“ If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,
From doing your pleasure on My holy day,
And call the Sabbath a delight,
The holy day of the LORD honorable,
And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,
Nor finding your own pleasure,
Nor speaking your own words,
Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD;
And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,
And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”