Well, we are drawing closer to New Year’s Day, which will mark the beginning of the 21-Day Daniel Fast for many. Others will start their 21-Day Fast on Sunday, January 6th, which is the first Sunday of the year. Still others will commit to a shorter period of spiritual fasting, but still give a “first fruits offering” of themselves to the Lord by beginning the New Year with prayer and fasting.
The 21-Day Fast is the most popular, primarily because that is the model set out by Daniel in Chapter 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.”
I hope you will find all the information you need on this site to be successful on your fast. One thing I want to advise: be prepared! First, have the right kinds of foods in the house that you can eat for the Daniel Fast. See the Daniel Fast Food List. Also, plan your menus and prepare the foods so they are available to you. See the Daniel Fast Cookbook, plus there are many recipes on this site that you can make ahead.
Second, you might want to get rid of or at least put away foods that are tempting. Kind of like the biblical accounts of Jewish women as they prepared for the Passover by cleaning their houses from top to bottom and removed all yeast from their homes. Many Jews engage in this same practice today when they prepare for the Passover.
Third, plan time to prepare meals as they will likely take a little longer than when you are not fasting. Most of the mels you prepare will be from scratch since there are so few prepared products that don’t have chemicals in them. So you will want to set aside enough time to prepare your meals, not only for those you will have at home, but also those you will have at work or when you are traveling.
Of course, you also want to prepare your heart for the 21-Day Fast. Seek the Lord’s guidance as you get ready to start the fast. Are there issues in your life that you need to address? Are their needs in your family or ministry that can use special attention? Are you seeking healing? Do you feel oppressed by financial bandages? These last few days of the year are an excellent time to search your heart, open yourself to the Lord, and allow Him to lead you into you personal 21-Day Fast. See The Daniel Fast for the Body, Soul and Spirit.
Continue to visit The Daniel Fast Blog as I add content every day. Also, if you have questions, please leave a comment and I try to respond within a couple hours — many times immediately.
God bless you and I hope the very best for you as you set aside this time to give the first of yourself to Almighty God. Remember, He rewards those who diligently seek Him. So keep your mind on Christ and your focus on righteousness.
Patricia said,
December 30, 2007 at 4:20 pm
How do you handle taking communion during the 21 day Daniel Fast. Thank you and my the Lord continue to Bless you.
Susan Gregory said,
December 30, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Hi Patricia.
Thank you for your kind words . . .
This is my opinion — communion takes precedence over the fast. It is holy and different than meals. Thanks for asking! And I pray the Lord’s blessing on you as you fast.
Jon said,
January 3, 2008 at 4:20 am
Advice for leading my family. First of all thank you for the great information about the Daniel Fast on this blog. I have shared this website with many at my church. Secondly, I am a relatively new Christian, having just been saved in September. I am interested in doing the Daniel Fast, but have picked up upon some reservations from my two teens, and my wife. They wanted to know whether there was any flexibility in the fast. And to what extent they can do some foods but not others. I do not feel I have enough spiritual maturity or Biblical knowledge to dictate to them what level of participation in the fast they should partake in. I have prayed about it, and feel that God wants their willing participation, not forced. I could lead by example, but know that this might create some strained family dynamics around meal times. Please offer me some advice or suggestions about this. I will continue to pray until Saturday January 5th, when I will begin my shopping for meals.
Sincerely, Jon.
Susan Gregory said,
January 3, 2008 at 4:48 am
Hi Jon,
Bless you for your new life in Christ! Your best life is ahead and starting the year with prayer and fasting will result in powerful growth.
Thanks for our important question. You didn’t mention about where your family is in the Lord . . . so that’s an important issue. If they are not believers, it would be very easy for them to get trapped into equating life with Christ as legalism, which is the opposite of the freedom He provides.
Secondly, it’s really important for people to be “successful” on the fast. I suggest that you meet with your family and read Chapters 1 and 10 from the Book of Daniel. Talk about why Daniel fasted and then how his fasts were practiced. Go over the Daniel Fast food list that’s on this site, and then as a family, develop an eating plan that would work for you all at this time.
This could be a powerful family experience, drawing you all even closer together as you draw closer to the Lord.
There is a lot of room for interpretation in the Daniel Fast. Keep in mind that this is model for fasting, but there is nothing powerful in the foods eaten or not eaten. The power is that you are consecrating (setting apart) your body, soul and spirit for the Lord.
What we know from the accounts of Daniel’s fasts is that one time he at only vegetables and drank only water. In another account he ate no meat and no delicacies, and drank no wine. From these models, the current day’s Daniel Fast has been developed.
God bless you and fulfill the role of husband and father – and as the spiritual head for your family. Christ will equip you with all you need to be successful as you follow Him and the Word of God.
Tyson said,
January 3, 2008 at 3:07 pm
has anybody had trouble exercising on the Daniel fast?
Susan Gregory said,
January 3, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hi Tyson,
Most people experience increased energy during the Daniel Fast. Sometimes the first few days, the body is a bit sluggish, but then with the increased hydration and better food intake, the body is screaming, “Yeah,” and wants to move!
Do others have a different experience?
Marla said,
January 5, 2008 at 3:34 pm
My husband is in a prison camp and would like to do the Daniel Fast but he finds it very hard to be able to eat anything at all which is very frustrating for him. Do you have any suggestions on what he could do?
Marla said,
January 5, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I guess I should explain why its hard for him to eat anything at all…basically you eat what they prepare or you don’t eat. They don’t serve a whole lot of vrggies either and he has no purified water there. any suggestions would be appreciated
JASENTA said,
January 6, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Hi,
My name is Jasenta I am a 26 woman from Kissimmee,Fl.First of all I would like to thank you for obeying the voice of the Lord and building this website it is truly awesome,I reall did not know the exact details of the”Daniel Fast” I knew of it and do pray and fast frequently when led by the spirt to do so,but on January 1st I heard the Lord tell me not to eat meat for 21 days along with some other very specific instructions to sow financial seeds so I said Uh..Ok..Lord and started on my merry way. The Daniel Fast did not even come to my mind until I got to Church this morning (Kingdom Life International Church@destinylife.t.v)and my pastor invited us all to participate in a Corporate Daniel Fast eating only Veggies and Water for the next 10 days. So anyway this is my first time doing the Daniel Fast and I will be joining the multitudes who will be fasting for the next three weeks and I am excited!!! I have had many,many wonderful experiences with our Lord during fasting and I truly also believe that God is doing a New Thing, and it is a new Day and Thank God all the old has passed away.I believe that Total Life Prosperity is mine this year,and I believing God for a Supernatural Uncommon Financial Harvest, To open a Christian Private School this year and for 2 very special people in my life to fall in Love with Jesus.And I praise God now because it’s already done and as God pours out his Spirt and Manifests his power over the next three weeks I will be sure to write and testify so that all can see that the Lord is Good and his Mercy endures forever. Wow this was longer than intended So thank you again for this page its also and may God continue to bless you and give you every pure desire of your heart.
With Love Your Sister In Christ,
Jasenta
Janna Bee said,
January 7, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I am experiencing the urge to get physically fit. I am not slugglish. I really feel great.
Margarita said,
January 8, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Hello everyone. I began the Daniel fast sunday evening after dinner. Same did my Pastor. He said in service on sunday that we need to read the bible during this time especially during the fast. He said not to try to comprehend the bible or figure stuff out to just begin reading. I am better at reading things online so I found the Biblegateway.com. I picked a story to read which Ironically it was Daniel. I was relieved to read about the fast early on. I retained more than I thought which was awesome since I have ADD.
Cecil McQueen said,
January 8, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I am starting the Daniels Fast tomorrow with a couple of co-workers. Honestly, another co-worker mentioned it to me and i brushed it off. So this morning while traveling the Daniel Fast came up again in conversation. Now when you’re a believer you can recognize the message throughout the noise of the world. Saying that I was like ok GOD there is something you’re trying to tell me via this experience so let me get down to it. Friends, I look forward to the fast because I am seeking a career break through (blessing) movement in finances and deliverance from my trial and tribulations. Better yet I am receiving my blessing as I type so this fast will bring above great things for me.
Susan Gregory said,
January 8, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Hi Margarita,
God bless you on your fast . . . I encourage you to select one of two verses that are especially meaningful to you and then “meditate” on them. I mean to really focus on those verses and ask the Lord to reveal to you what they mean to you.
I am also a big fan of http://www.BibleGateway.com
Blessings to you as you meet God in His Word.
sequoyah said,
January 8, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I smoke… how should I fast with this problem…if I smoke will my fast not be acceptable to God…
Jim said,
January 9, 2008 at 3:44 am
My wife and I have a very strict workout routine that includes taking supplements including vitamins, minerals and specialized workout supplements. I’m pretty sure our supplements contain at least a small amount of caffine. Would it be acceptable to continue our supplement routine or should we fast them as well for the three weeks.
God Bless you and your family
Susan Gregory said,
January 9, 2008 at 5:41 am
Hi Jim,
I assume you and your wife are very physically active. That would put you into the “special diet” category. The main thing is that fasting should never do anything to harm the body, but rather it should bring you to better health. It seems in this case that if you are athletes or very active that restricting the supplements could case problems. With that, it would be appropriate for you to continue with the supplements.
Blessing to you and your wife.
Susan Gregory said,
January 9, 2008 at 6:03 am
Hi Sequoyah,
The Daniel Fast is a very healthy eating plan and the biggest benefit for the body is that it brings health to you. Smoking is harmful to the body. My guess is that if you ask the Lord if He wants you to smoke, that He will tell you, “No.” Why? Because He loves you and it’s not good for you and your body.
You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body. We want to live a spirit-led life . . . that is a life totally lined up with God and His Word. Our soul (or our flesh) is the part of us to be crucified with Christ. In this case, you will want you spirit to take authority over your soul and not allow it to continue to put harmful smoke into your body.
I hope this helps . . . God bless you on your fast.
sequoyah said,
January 9, 2008 at 8:40 am
thank you
sequoyah said,
January 9, 2008 at 8:48 am
also in the Daniel fast was this 24 hours a day or did he break the fat in the evening ?
Tammy said,
January 9, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Regarding exercise: I’m on day 4 of the Daniel Fast and I’m finding it hard to work out. My body is definitely detoxing (aka lethargic, cold-like symptoms, etc) and I find the normal walking/jogging I do requires much more energy than I have right now. BUT, from past experience, I know this will just be a few days and then energy levels will return. Insteading of pushing myself, I’m just using the time to be still and being thankful that my body is processing through the “unpurities” right now.
PS This site is amazing! What a great tool to help with the fast.
Susan Gregory said,
January 9, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Hi Tammy,
Bless you! Thanks for your kind words.
Great attitude and I love the way you are turning toward God as you work through this experience!
De'Sha said,
January 15, 2008 at 3:35 am
GOD bless everyone on this Daniel Fast. I had acutally been told by the spirit to embark on a spiritual fast but I was not sure exactly what I needed to do. Then I saw Pastor Franklin preach on the 21 day Daniel fast and I knew then that I was signed on!! Praise God for this site!!! I really am feeling better about how to continue and remain true to the calling on my life in this season. GOD bless you all and stay encouraged as I pray for each and everyone one of you.
De’Sha from Seattle, Wa
Mae said,
January 15, 2008 at 7:37 am
I just completed a 3 day total fast and Monday my 1st day of the Daniel Fast), today (Tuesday) I woke up with severe back cramps. I am drinking plenty of water and yesterday the 1st day of this fast (and my 1st time) the food was so great, I felt like I was cheating even though I wasn’t, lol. Am I detoxing? Do you have any recommendations for the back pain?
Lucy said,
January 21, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Does the Daniel fast only start on the 1st Sunday of the year?
Susan Gregory said,
January 21, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for the question. No, the Daniel Fast is not locked to any day or any time of year. Unlike Lent or other church year seasons, the Daniel Fast is a specific way of fasting.
Many churches and individuals start the New Year with a fast, but it’s practiced throughout the year.
Bless you!
Cecil said,
February 6, 2008 at 6:41 am
I want to share a testimony with the readers. On January 8th, I started the Daniel Fast without any doubt of failing to stick with the plan. From that day to now, I’ve had some ups in downs in regards to my mental state of well being, a little down on myself and thinking that I have no reason to continue moving forward with life. But on this past week I took some time off to reflect back on my past and present and when I say GOD heard my cry for sincere help and forgiviness he stepped right in. I write this to say, taking time off to reflect with GOD and thinking about the positive and not the negative all things will work out in your favor because of the blood of Jesus. Also, to share I went on two job interviews this past week and one call me back with good news that the team loved me and asked how did I view the interview. People when I say that lifted me up because the one on Friday seemed a little distance in touch because of an interviewer considering me to be robotic in my presentation. But a true interviewer knows when they have someone polish and knowledge about their professional experiences, so I walked away from that one with my head in the air saying GOD IF YOU WANT ME TO BE THERE MAKE IT SO BUT IF YOU DON’T I UNDERSTAND. So Monday I had another interview with a major company in Chicago and as stated before they loved me. People, I am claiming my new career before I get the offer letter and also trusting GOD that he will continue to bless me in every way possible thru his son blood. To shorten all up, you will go through some trials and tribulations on this fast but count it all joy because things come to the light and blessings flow at the end. FYI.. as far as weight i lost 23lbs and continually doing the Daniel Fast. Again, please pray for me that GOD will continue blessing me and you for ever and ever. AMEN – Readers.
Susan Gregory said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:16 am
Dear Cecil,
I agree with you in the decree for an excellent job!
AMEN
Cecil McQueen said,
February 6, 2008 at 9:47 am
Susan,
Thanks for touching and agreeing with me.
AMEN
Gayle J Barnard Cobb said,
February 7, 2008 at 6:54 am
I have siincerely been enriched by this site. I have a question however,my husband, 3 of my daughters and I started the fast on this week.My question is concerning salt, nuts and the whole grain products concept.I have seen other food list that are very specific about no salt and just fruits and vegetables.To salt or no salt. Without being legalistic I would like to really get the true benefit of the spirit of the fast without cheating myself.Please advise.Thank You
Susan Gregory said,
February 7, 2008 at 7:53 am
Good morning Gayle,
There is room for interpretation regarding the Daniel Fast because there are so few scriptures about the prophet’s fasting experiences. What we do know is that from Daniel 1 he ate only vegetables and drank only water; in Daniel 10 he ate no pleasant food, consumed no meat and drank no wine for 21 days.
It is from the in-depth study of those scriptures, reviewing Jewish dietary laws and fasting practices, and what others have written about the Daniel Fast that I developed the guidelines you see on this site. My number one goal is to keep the integrity of the scripture.
With that said, I find no basis that salt should be eliminated. Some people may have looked at “no preservatives” as meaning no salt. But instead that mean no artificial preservatives.
I hope this helps explain my understanding of the Daniel Fast.
Blessings to you and your family as you seek God.
Nancy said,
February 8, 2008 at 7:37 pm
My sister and I are going to start the Dainel Fast to Monday. I’ve been
reading up on it. A friend is sending me a cd on it. I have lots of allergies.
I can’t eat seafoods or nuts, peanuts or ect…, or tomatos or bananas,oranges . I notice that most of the recipes call for them what can I do to substitute for them. Help!
Nancy said,
February 8, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Sorry, thanks for this website and be blessed.
Susan Gregory said,
February 9, 2008 at 5:00 am
Nancy,
My suggestion is that you review the Daniel Fast Food list and then center your meals around hearty salads, soups, rice dishes and the like. Since seafood is not part of the Daniel Fast, that’s out anyway.
There is really a lot of flexiblity in the Daniel Fast if you focus on the foods you can have, although you may have to reach a bit deeper in the creativity department.
Blessings to you and your sister on your fast.
Mary said,
March 17, 2008 at 8:35 am
It is exciting to read about so many believers who are willing to really commit to spiritual journeying. I have struggled with how to do a fast because my family has a strong tendancy towards diabetes. I am not diabetic yet, but I don’t want to push myself in that direction either. The Daniel Fast looks like it will work.
One word of encouragement and focus for all of you: the blessing we “seek” is God himself, not losing weight, career advancement etc. Those blessings he gives us because he loves us so much, but it should not be our “first desire” in the purpose of the fast.
May you all find JOY in your journey.
Carolyn said,
April 6, 2008 at 4:51 pm
where did the 21 days and the 40 days originate from?
Susan Gregory said,
April 7, 2008 at 6:41 am
Good morning Carolyn,
The 21-day Daniel Fast is based on the 10th chapter of the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament.
Jesus went on a 40-day fast when He was in the wilderness and tempted by Satan.
There are also many other references to fasting in the scripture, but these are the two most prominent for the 21- and 40-day fasts.
Bless you!
CAFENA said,
April 17, 2008 at 12:09 pm
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS EXCELLENT TOOL.. I AM JUST GOING TO STAR MY FAST BEGINING ON MONDAY.. MY QUESTION IS.. DOES THIS KIND OF FASTING HAS TO BE ON CERTAIN TIME OF THE YEAR OR YOU CAN CHOOSE ANY TIME?
Susan Gregory said,
April 18, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hi Cafena,
The Daniel Fast can be started at any time in the year. I am on a 7-week Daniel Fast which will conclude on Pentecost Sunday.
I hope the best for you on your fast.
Rachael said,
April 21, 2008 at 10:02 pm
the Daniel fast is so good for me and my walk with the Lord, it truly gives me breakthroughs, revelation knowledge and much more, it is truly worth the sacrifice, i now do it every year, once or more times.
God bless you all, keep walking in faith
love and yours in Christ
Rachael
Vonceil said,
April 29, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I have heard about this for years now and I have never tried it, I am inspired to take on this fast for a few reason and with that I ask for prayer and strength. My marriage is at it wits ends, and I take my committment with thte Lord and him serious, I feel in my heart that my weight has alot to do with it. So with that being said I am going to approach this with all my heart and soul and trust God that he will give me the will power to stay focused for 21 days, I’ll come back in 21 days with my end result again please pray for me.
Susan Gregory said,
April 30, 2008 at 9:51 am
Dearest Vonceil,
You are so right to turn to the Lord with the troubles in your life. Prayer and fasting is a powerful way to consecrate yourself, or set yourself apart, when you are seeking spiritual breakthrough. God honors us and while I can’t explain all of why fasting is so powerful, I do know from personal experience as well as from the testimonies of others that prayer and fasting is powerful.
God bless you and please stay in touch!
Stephanie said,
June 23, 2008 at 12:59 pm
hello.. I’m 17 and i just started the daniel fast yesterday – and i just wanted to know how much weight people have lost doing the daniel fast for 21 days. And what did you cut out…
My fast consists of
no meat
no diary
no grain
no bread
no sweets
no pop or Alcohol.
yes fruits
yes veggies
yes fish.
Just wanted to know if i’m going about this right.. Thank you super much
Susan Gregory said,
June 23, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Hi Stephanie,
Congratulations on your decision to go on the Daniel Fast. I assume you are doing this with your parents’ blessing . . . and it’s okay for your health. With that said, the Daniel Fast is actually so much healthier than the typical North American diet, that your parents and health providers should be very pleased.
I did want to mention that NO animal products are on the typical Daniel Fast. However, we do recommend teens, athletes, pregnant women and others with special needs in their diet to add fish and/or chicken to make sure you have the extra protein you need. So it’s good that you are eating fish.
The amount of weight really depends on many factors, including your present weight, your level of physical activity, your previous eating habits, etc. The typical person loses between 6-20 on the Daniel Fast. Some have lost more and of course, some less.
If you want to improve your health by losing weight during your fast, stay away from nuts and peanut butter; also, high sugar fruits. Drink lots of water, which is good to do anyway! Again, depending on your current weight, most people do well on 64 oz. of filtered water a day.
Finally, a fast is ALWAYS restricting food for spiritual purposes. Otherwise, it’s just a diet. So if you are truly fasting, be sure to set aside some time every day to study your Bible and pray to God. He so wants to deepen His relationship with each one of us.
I hope this helps. Please stay in touch and feel free to contact me if you have any other questions. Be blessed.
Faye Butler said,
June 24, 2008 at 10:04 am
Are protein supplements allowed on the FAST. My husband wants me to include whey protein in the all fruit smoothies for breakfast. Also what about wheat germ? Your webiste is awesome! I have been encouraged and want to do it according to the book.
Susan Gregory said,
June 24, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Hi Faye,
Thanks for the kinds words about the site. The Lord blesses me as I work to serve Him and His people. He is so good!
Generally protein supplements are not allowed unless you are preparing foods for a person with a special needs diet. That would include pregnant women, athletes, teens, etc.
A great source of protein for smoothies would be silken tofu. So you might run that idea past your husband. If he still wants to keep the protein powder, encourage him to pray about it and seek the Lord’s direction. I encourage people to check out their motives. If they are clear, then go ahead and keep the supplements.
Also, wheat germ is fine
I hope the very best for you as you seek the Lord through prayer and fasting.
Karen said,
September 5, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I have just begun really researching the Daniel fast and I feel I need to begin tomorrow. One resource I read said to eat one meal a day. I see on some of your blogs that some people eat breakfast, which leads me to believe that they have more than one meal a day. Is there a distinct guideline.Thank you for this resource.
Susan Gregory said,
September 7, 2008 at 11:59 am
Hi Karen,
The Daniel Fast is based on two recounts of fasting in the Book of Daniel. Neither have anything to do with the number of meals consumed, but rather the types of foods restricted from the meals.
There are many types of “partial fasts,” the Daniel Fast being just one of them. There is also the partial fast when people don’t eat during daylight hours or limit the number of meals they eat. All are worthy fasts. The main thing is to chose a fasting regimen and then use it as your discipline.
Be blessed and thanks for the question.
Iris Afonso said,
September 11, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Is soy milk, salt, and pepper allowed on a Daniel Fast?
Susan Gregory said,
September 12, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Hi Iris,
Yes, soy milk, salt and pepper are all allowed. You will need to read the label on the soy milk to make sure there it is chemical-free and sugar-free. I have found that most soy and rice milk manufacturers add sweetener to their products. However, you can find “unsweetened soy milk” to use during the Daniel Fast.
Be blessed!
Shareese said,
October 6, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hi.
Is whole wheat bread or whole grain allowed, I just started and a friend of mind just finished hers and she said that her church ate whole bread, also what did he mean when he said he didn’t anoint himself.
PS This is a very good blog may God continue to bless you!!!
Susan Gregory said,
October 7, 2008 at 9:32 am
Hi Shareese,
Thanks for your post and for asking this question. All whole grains are allowed on the Daniel Fast. What is NOT allowed is leavening. So raised breads are not allowed. This is why Jewish people eat Matzo during Passover. It is a flat bread with no leavening.
So all foods with leavening, including yeast, baking powder, and baking soda are not allowed . . .
I hope this helps and be blessed on your Daniel Fast.
Sonja Keathley said,
November 28, 2008 at 6:08 am
I just stumbled onto this blog, and am really interested in the Daniel Fast after reading about it. I hope to get my husband to do it too or maybe start it at church with a small group. We all talk about losing weight, getting healthy, and becoming closer to God. Any suggestions on how to start it.
Andiswa Nkosi said,
December 17, 2008 at 2:18 am
When is the Jan 2009 fast starting, I would like to Join in
Susan Gregory said,
December 24, 2008 at 6:08 am
Hello Andiswa,
The Daniel Fast is not linked to any definite date or time period. Rather, it’s a way of fasting. However, the 2009 New Year Fast will start for most Christians on Sunday, January 4th and last for 21 days. Because the New Year Fast is an extended fast, most people use the Daniel Fast as their method of fasting.
I hope this helps!
julie said,
December 27, 2008 at 7:07 pm
hi, I have a question regarging the daniel fast guidelines, when you are fasting can you mix the the food? for example fruits & veggies…
Javetta said,
January 4, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I was called by a friend in Ga. today telling me that several of them are starting this fast tommorrow and ask me if I wanted to join. I just started researching and would defintly like to start with them as I have things I want God to move in my life for. However, I am concerned about what I can eat for 21 days. And I get bad headaches without caffiene. Any suggestions? Thanks
linda said,
January 4, 2009 at 9:27 pm
for the Daniel fast is there any type of salad dressing i can use on my salads, like extra virgin olive oil italian vinaigrette.
Tremeica Jack said,
January 5, 2009 at 11:13 am
My husband and I have join forces. We have even included our 6 year old. I explained fasting to him and he all but jumped at the idea so he is giving up fast foods and sweets for 21 days. Now we have some of our friends and family involved. Man God is Awesome! “If MY people would humble themselves and Pray.” Thank you God for this oppurtunity
Andiswa Nkosi said,
January 6, 2009 at 12:41 am
It sure does! I started on the 5th and so far so good, just the headaches and feeling down of which Im sure will subside. Im also going into the sauna for 20mins & steam room for 10mins everyday. Is this not bad for me? Im also planning to attend a few fun walks these coming Saturdays…. any comments to prevent me regretting strain on my body. Thanks Sus!
Andiswa Nkosi said,
January 6, 2009 at 12:49 am
What is the link between prayer & fasting cause I understand also that its not a way to twist God to give us answers and perform miracles. So far I’ve learnt much about how to fast and pray but I still do not understand the link between going hungry & low in spirit and seeing miracles.
ebony a said,
January 6, 2009 at 3:18 pm
hi i just had a question, fish is that not allowed during the fast
Susan Gregory said,
January 6, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Hi A.V.
No, fish is not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Only vegetable, fruits, whole grains and a few other foods are allowed.
You can get a copy of the Food List at http://www.Daniel-Fast.com
Be blessed on your fast!
Alicia said,
January 6, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Is soy milk allowed during fast?
erica said,
January 9, 2009 at 8:23 am
no where in the bible it said that daniel ate rice nor wheat bread or nuts
Susan Gregory said,
January 9, 2009 at 8:46 am
Hi Erica,
You are correct. The Daniel Fast is a model of fasting developed by the few scriptures we have available in Daniel 1 and Daniel 10 along with Jewish fasting and dietary principles. It is not a command . . . it is merely a model of partial fasting based on the prophet. The foundation of the Daniel fast is eating only vegetables and fruits and drinking only water from Daniel 1 . . . and then eating no “precious foods” from Daniel 10.
These are the foundation for the Daniel Fast. If we were to take it all literally from the scripture, we would say we can’t eat any food that has been previously offered to other gods. It’s pretty easy to comply with that, which is what Daniel did when he ate only vegetables and drank only water —
So the Daniel Fast is a model and used as a partial fast for those wanting to enter into the spiritual discipline of fasting. We are called to fast in both the testaments . . . and many are drawn to beginning the year with prayer and fasting for an extended period. The Daniel Fast is a good model, biblically based and serves as an excellent method.
I do believe God has ordained the present day Daniel Fast. It’s a very healthy way to eat at a time when obesity is at epidemic proportions, sickness and disease are rampant, and we are learning more and more about the harmful chemicals used in some foods.
I get numerous reports from people who have been healed of diabetes, cancer, allergies, arthritis and other ailments, plus countless reports of significant weight loss and a new way of living!
As you can see, I am a strong believer in the Daniel Fast. I see “God all over it.”
Be blessed and thanks for your comment!
janie dawson said,
January 11, 2009 at 7:46 pm
daniel fast sounds purifying an uplifting.would you please send me more info.
Lanita Sanders said,
January 12, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I have never fasted before. My church started the 1st Sunday this year and I have been since from midnight Sunday to present. My goal is to become closer to christ. I yearn to be closer to GOD and want him to guide me. I have a family that is not participating though and I have to cook regular meals for them. I have not gave in but I am sometimes tempted how can I get through this and still complete the fast?
joe hammond said,
January 13, 2009 at 7:38 am
hi
joe hammond said,
January 13, 2009 at 7:47 am
my last post was just a test to see if it would post. I have been a christian a long time and haven’t practiced fasting, but recently the Lord has spoken to my heart to clean up some issues because he is seperating the sheep from the goats. I have let my “flesh” get way too strong and my spirit too weak. When I did fast, I always fasted just water. My desire is to crucify this flesh and allow the spirit of God to rule and reign. Just yesterday I did water only fast, seeking direction from God. Finally last night right before I went to sleep I turned on TBN and Pastor Franklin was on talking about fasting. I believe this was an answer to prayer.
My question is. My Dake bible refutes all modern interpretations of the Daniel fast and says it was a total fast. I have found Dake to be wrong before but I really desire to do this right. I really need a fresh touch from God.
Thoughts?
Thank you so much.
Susan Gregory said,
January 13, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Hi Joe,
One of the things we know is that we can judge works of the spirit by its fruit. The Daniel Fast bears much fruit. I am not familiar with the Dake Bible, but I do know what Daniel 1 and Daniel 10 say. I have studied many respected commentators and they all consider these partial fasts. Daniel did practice water-only fasts, but he also practiced partial fasts.
A fast is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose. That’s what John the Baptist did when he ate only locust and honey, but there are not too many people who follow that model!
So, these are my thoughts . . .
Mj Teepe said,
January 13, 2009 at 8:05 am
Hi …
I am going to begin with the Esther 3 day fast on Thursday the 15th and then pick up the Daniel Fast after that. I need to understand are these the correct ones for receiving a healing and a financial break through?
God Bless …
Mj
joe hammond said,
January 13, 2009 at 3:11 pm
what happened to my question?
Susan Gregory said,
January 13, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Hi Joe,
I am not sure . . . can you ask again?
shea said,
January 14, 2009 at 4:35 am
Dr: Joe Hammond: I woudl seriously look into getting a new Bible if you have found it to be wrong before. I am not judging, this was the first thing that came to my mond when I read your question. Pray about it and see what the Lord would have you to do.
jenny said,
January 14, 2009 at 11:15 am
hi,
thank you so much for the information posted here and do want to give thanks for the wonderful questions that are asked. i love the food and have no problem following this fast. have been on it for 11 days.
joe hammond said,
January 14, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Thanks for your concern. When I said “wrong” I just meant a couple of “insignificant ” commmentaries he has on certain subjects. Perhaps you are not familiar with the Dake Bible. Finis Jennings Dake spent over 100,000 hours and 43 yrs of his life researching the KJV Bible. It is by far the most comprehensive study bible ever written. Not my only bible though. I also study from The Open Bible.
As to the subject “Daniel Fast” as related to us in Daniel 10:3. It specifically says no pleasant bread, no meat, nor wine. According to Strongs Concordance. the root for “wine” here is “a fermented fruit”. So I think it may be safe to say that fruits , or juices, are acceptable. And since to be quite honest, I’m not quite ready to go on a 21 day water only fast. I will follow the guidelines for the widely accepted “Daniel Fast”.
God bless you and thanks.
Joe
cleo biselele said,
January 25, 2009 at 4:02 am
Hi Pastor! I am so glad to write this to you. I am staying in south Africa, I use to watch you every sunday on TBN.Today is my 21dr day of fasting according to your progamm and i want to take this opportunity to snd some requests: I am 37 old, I have ahonours degree in geology but since 8 years I’m jobless ans I’m still bachelor. It’s like my life doesn’t have any sens.
I am christian,I serve God every day, I pray fearing God but i don’t understand what is going on in my life. Please help me with your prayers.
Stephanie Mason said,
February 28, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Hi Susan, my name is Stephanie and we will be beginning the fast
tomorrow March 1st. I am excited for I know that with God’s help
that I can make some serious changes in my eating behaviors. This
is my first tine with the Daniel 21 day fast. Our church has had
fast in the pat, but none so comprehensive. With your guidelines,
hopefully I will be able to carry some of these restrictions into my
regular diet. I am already a vegetarian except for eggs. With
God’s help I want to definitely go off chocolate completely. I
know with God’s help I can have a healthier body and a clearer
perception of spiritual things. My only question is that I have
natural spread with soybeans in it. Will that be a problem for
this diet? Thanks for the blog this is really helping me to be
prepared for the fast and have a successful fast.
Thanks again and God bless
Sheila said,
March 18, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Hi I had a question. Is it okay for me to drink soy milk during the Daniel Fasting.
Susan Gregory said,
March 20, 2009 at 4:11 am
Good morning Sheila,
Soy milk is okay for recipes and on cereal, however the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water, according to Daniel 10.
Be blessed on your fast!
Velma said,
March 25, 2009 at 6:20 am
Hi Susan,
I’ve been doing a partial day Daniel Fast (from morning to evening) for the last month for one day a week. Is this acceptable OR do I need to fast for longer periods?
Susan Gregory said,
March 25, 2009 at 10:15 am
Hi Velma,
Thanks for your question about whether fasting one day a week is “enough.” Actually, the answer to this question is in the results you are getting. Fasting should always be for a purpose. So if you are fasting one day a week to draw closer to the Lord, and you are receiving that expectation, then you are good. However, if you don’t seem to be getting “the desire of your heart” to draw closer to your Father, then I encourage you to fast for a longer period of time.
Fasting for 7, 10, 21, and 40 days is powerful, not only for the way we eat, but also as we consecrate ourselves unto the Lord in a more focused manner.
I hope this helps!
val said,
August 12, 2009 at 10:51 am
hi i found your site and found it to be helpful to me. my husband started a month long fast for guiduance on where the lord wanted him to go this time in his ministry and how to lead the church and his family. we have having some struggles and he seeking god for direction. i decided to join the fast with him so i wouldnt be a stumbling block and have found it to rewarding and getn closer to god and my husband. thank you for the site
Susan Gregory said,
August 13, 2009 at 7:04 am
God bless you and your husband, Val.
My prayer for you as I write these words is that you both will grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ as you seek the Father’s will for your life. The Word says that if we lack wisdom, to ask God and He will give it generously and without reproach. So you are doing the right thing, turning to God! That’s always the right choice.
Please stay in touch and expect answers from your Father.
Meg said,
November 4, 2009 at 6:41 am
I am on my second week of fasting and I am afraid that I am not getting enough calcium. I am a dancer, so calcium is important, and have been having leg cramps today. Does anyone have suggestions about what I could eat that would have a lot of calcium? Thanks!
Susan Gregory said,
November 5, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hi Meg,
Because of your dancing, it seems you need to add additional calcium to you diet during the Daniel Fast. Fasting should never bring harm to the body, so if it’s necessary to slightly alter the fast for special health needs, then that is fine. With that, you will want to add only the amount needed for your health.
I hope this helps!