Christian Fasting

September 30, 2009 at 5:07 pm (Daniel Fast, Spiritual Fasting, Uncategorized)
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More and more followers of Christ are discovering the power and benefits of Christian fasting. In fact, Christian fasting is growing at such a fast rate that this site alone has had more 1.5 millioin hits since I started it in December 2007. I hope you take some time to look around this blog and the www.Daniel-Fast.com site. It’s packed with lots of information about Christian Fasting and also about The Daniel Fast.

There are several types of Christian fasting. Many people think of totally abstaining from food, which is indeed a type of fast. However, the type of fast that is growing in popularity is a partial fast based on the fasting experiences of the Prophet Daniel. It’s called the Daniel Fast and serves as a type of fast that one can employ during any time of the year and for whatever length of time one feels led.

With that in mind, the benefits of the Daniel Fast are best gained over at least 10 days. Most often the fast is practiced for 21 days, yet this is not a requirement.

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast in that some foods are restricted, but not all. I often explain it to people as a vegan diet with more restrictions. All foods are plant-based and the only beverage is water (see Daniel 1). Additionally, there are no sweeteners, deep fried foods, stimulants (including caffeine), processed foods or man-made chemical on the fast.

When you begin Christian fasting, think of it similar to going on a vacation. You plan your vacation and it has a purpose, you prepare for your vacation before you start it, when you are on your vacation, you behave differently, and when you return from your vacation you reflect on the experience.

Christian fasting is similar in that you will plan, prepare, act differently , and then reflect on your fast when it is complete. The purpose of fasting is to bring you into a closer relationship with God. You are setting into motion a heightened focus on prayer, meditation, study and devotion for a specific purpose.

Please take your time to investigate this blog as you consider your fast. And may you continue to grow in the love and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ as you experience this special discipline of prayer and fasting!

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Lent 2009 and the Daniel Fast

February 25, 2009 at 11:32 am (2009 Daniel Fast, Lent, Prayer, Spiritual Fasting)
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I am writing this post on Ash Wednesday, 2009. Today marks the first day of Lent for millions of Christians throughout the world. Lent is a period of fasting for 40 days prior to Easter, with most fasting six days and week and then eating moderately on Sunday. The big feast is on Easter as we celebrate the most important day of the entire year – Resurrection Sunday!

Many will “give up” a type of food during Lent, such as chocolate or coffee. However, a growing number of followers of Jesus Christ are using the Daniel Fast for their Lenten discipline of prayer and fasting.

If you are using the Daniel Fast as your method of fasting during this time of consecration, I do encourage you to sign up for the Daniel Fast Mailing List by going to www.Daniel-Fast.com so you can receive periodic free information that will help you be successful in your fast. Also, when you do sign up you will receive an invitation for the free Daniel Fast Notes, which are daily email devotions that receive very positive reviews from readers.

Also, since so many people do the Daniel Fast for 21 days (see Daniel 10) you will find the 21-day reference throughout this site. However, the Daniel Fast is not restricted to only 21 days. So a 40-day Daniel Fast is totally appropriate.

God bless you on your Lenten Fast. My prayer is that you will draw closer to the Lord and receive even more of the love, grace and direction He has for you.

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How to End a Daniel Fast

January 23, 2009 at 12:15 pm (2009 Daniel Fast, 21-day fast, Daniel Fast, Health & Healing, Spiritual Fasting)
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Many men and women will complete their 21-day Daniel Fast over the weekend. And so I wanted to post some advice about ending your fast. Even if you are not concluding your fast, please keep this information in mind. It is important.

  • Ease back into your “typical diet.” This is especially true with caffeine, sugar, fatty foods, meat and dairy products. Small portions are wise and go slow, perhaps just one or two foods per day.
  • For caffeine beverages, drink one small cup or glass and then see how your body reacts. Don’t be surprised if you get the “jitters.” Consider starting with de-caf (I realize that’s almost criminal for those of us who love the java). :-)
  • Don’t be surprised if you feel tired after you start eating the “typical foods.” Your body has been detoxed over the 21-day Daniel Fast and it might scoff at what it has to digest!
  • Continue to drink lots of filtered water, at least 1/2 gallon a day.

Also, consider the lessons you’ve learned and the good habits you’ve adopted on the Daniel Fast. Don’t leave them behind, but let them become a regular part of your life. This includes your prayer and study time with the Lord as well as improved eating habits.

Finally, while you may always fast at the New Year, consider fasting at other times of the year. Many parents pray and then fast from dawn to dusk on their children’s birthdays. If you have pressing issues or circumstances facing you, consider a time of consecrated prayer and fasting. Last year I fasted during Pentecost seeking the Lord’s direction for some personal business matters.

The Daniel Fast is an excellent method for a partial fast. It beats John the Baptist’s fast — honey and locust!

Be blessed!

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The Daniel Fast and Financial Breakthrough

November 20, 2008 at 9:24 am (* Thoughts from Susan, Faith, Spiritual Fasting)
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Okay friends, the world is experiencing tough times with the financial markets in a free-fall with no sure end in sight. Perhaps you’ve experienced losses at this time, along with many in the United States and throughout the world. But one thing we know from the Scriptures is that, “We are IN this world, but not OF this world.” And now, perhaps more than ever before in our lifetimes, is when we need to press into God and focus on Him rather than the fear and dread that wants to overtake us.

Fasting to “tune up” your spiritual life is a really smart thing to do! Why? Because fasting is setting ourselves apart . . . and centering our lives on God. It’s not just eating differently and expecting some supernatural results. But rather, fasting helps us focus more on God and His Word and as His truth takes root in our heart, we experience the supernatural power of the Most High God.

If you are feeling nervous or anxious right not, take this opportunity to pray and fast. You might just start with a three-day Daniel Fast . . . and see how things go. You might want to extend if you sense the Lord calling you to a deeper place of understanding with Him. But as you fast, be sure to focus on the Lord. Get your eyes off the circumstances of this world and on to the promises of God in His Word.

Read Deuteronomy 28, do a study on the word “faith,” or read about the many times the Lord helped His people in times of great economic stress. Feed your spirit by meditating on God’s truth! We are His people. He is our God. And He will see us through.

Take minute right now and read Psalm 91 and claim the hope and security the Lord has for you as you dwell in the secret place of the Most High. Remember, we are in the world but not of this world. We have another place where we can call home . . . the kingdom of God. So seek Him, His truth and His ways. Then you will find the joy, peace and security only He can provide.

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21 Day Daniel Fast – More and more turn to this powerful discipline

October 1, 2008 at 10:54 am (Daniel Fast, Spiritual Fasting)
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Fasting has been practiced by the faithful for centuries, but then seemed to drop out of practice. But the 21 Day Daniel Fast has experienced a huge upsurge in popularity. It seems that more and more men and women want to take their faith to a more powerful level. And they are turning to the 21 Day Daniel Fast as a way to draw nearer to God as they diligently seek His kingdom.

I hope you find this site helpful if this is the first time your have fasted for 21 days or more. You will find many helps from others as well as recipes and lot of advice about fasting.  I encourage you to click on the Start Here page. Then stick around a while. Many of your questions will be answered and you likely will be encouraged and motivated to experience the many benefits of prayer and fasting.

Also, if you are entering a 21 Day Daniel Fast and have questions, please feel free to ask them by leaving a comment. You will not only receive an quick answer from either me or another person in our Daniel Fast Community, but you will be helping others as they read your comment!

God bless you and I hope the very best for you as you seek the Lord.

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A Call to Faith, Trust and Ministry

September 27, 2008 at 5:48 pm (* Thoughts from Susan, Daniel Fast, Spiritual Fasting)

I’m writing today to share some thoughts with you as we experience these unprecedented times in this old world. I am not writing a message of gloom or despair. But instead just some thoughts from one friend to another . . .

The reality is that a major shaking is taking place! I listened to the news broadcast on CNN (Christian News Network) on Friday and the headlines seemed more fantasy than real. It reminded me of an episode of Mission Impossible. Here were the announcements: 

  • The FBI is investigating Lehman Brothers and three other contributors to America’s financial crisis to determine possible wrong-doing along with concerns that Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG or Lehman may have sought to encourage agencies to inflate their ratings.
  • WAMU (Washington Mutual Bank) lost more than 50 percent of their loan portfolio overnight and finally was seized by the government and eventually taken over by Chase.
  • World credit markets are frozen.
  • The risk of a worldwide financial meltdown is in sight.
  • Congress goes to work to consider $700 billion economic bailout, the biggest in human history.
  • Housing market experiences greatest downturn since the Great Depression.
  • 54,000 children in China are sick from contaminated milk and baby foods. Four infants have died.
  • Police are called to patrol lines of drivers waiting to fill their cars’ gas tanks after Hurricane Ike. Some arrests took place. Some drivers were stranded and unable to get to work.
  • Some colleges had to close because students were not showing up for classes due to the gas shortage.
  • There was a prayer rally in India to show support for thousands of local Christians who have been displaced due to deadly attacks from Hindu radicals. The threat is, “Go back to Hinduism or die.”

No, this isn’t from some Sci-Fi script. All these things are taking place right now as you read these words.

The credit crisis is the biggest news, and it isn’t something that will go away soon. Worldwide political issues are stirring. And we’re about to elect a new president and experience a significant change in our government.

This is all a recipe for fear, worry and panic. But that’s only if we trust in the world’s systems rather than God’s If there was ever an important time to focus on prayer, strengthen our faith, and depend on God, it is now. 

I also find it very interesting that we are about to enter one of the most significant times in the Jewish calendar. September 29th marks the New Year on the Jewish calendar. It’s called Rosh Hashanah, also known as a Day of Judgment, and is the first of a 10 day period of repentance. These days are for reflection, self-examination, consideration of ones ethical and moral responsibilities, and it provides each person an opportunity to restore relationships with other human beings and with God. 

This time or repentance (change) leads to the holiest day in the Jewish year, Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur is a 25-hour period of fasting, worship, and thoughtful reflection on the past year. It is intended to encourage an inner change, a “return” to living life as God and an appropriate lifestyle for His holy people. This year Yom Kippur starts at nightfall on October 8th and is completed at nightfall on October 9th. 

As Christians, Christ is our eternal atonement. We are assured of forgiveness because of His blood. But are we living according to Kingdom of God principles. As the world money systems shake around us . . . are we worried about our future because we have placed our faith in mammon and not in God? 

Is our loving Father giving us a wake-up call? A call to arms? A call to faith? 

I have exchanged emails with many other members of our growing Daniel Fast Community over the last many months. Many faithful men and women have expressed their “sensing” of preparation of something to come. Are we getting ready for what could be the greatest hour for the Body of Christ to minister to those who don’t yet know their Savior? 

I am not making any predictions, because I really don’t know. However, I do know that when I look at the circumstances, the world is a very unstable place. And I see many similarities between today’s events and what I read in Joel, Daniel, Matthew and Revelation (just to name a few). 

Isaiah 50:7 reads, “For the Lord GOD will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.” 

Are we, children of the Most High God, being called to “set our faces like flint?” In other words, are we being called to take are faith more seriously than at any other time in our lives? Is this a time to press into the things of God as never before? Are we to be so focused on God that we look neither to the left or to the right? Is this one of those times when after we have done all we know to stand we are to stand? 

Those who depend on the world could be in store for a very hard time . . . but not us. You and I are children of Jehovah Jireh and El Shaddai. We are in this world but not of this world . . . and we each have an opportunity right now to search our hearts . . . to make sure there is good ground in which the Word of God can grow and flourish. The Kingdom of God is our home, our trust and our security. God is faithful and longs to have us depend only on Him. 

God bless you and thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts with me and others!

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The Call California – 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting

August 16, 2008 at 5:22 pm (2008 Daniel Fast, Corporate Fasting, Daniel Fast, Spiritual Fasting)
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Lou Engle just announced that there will be a new gathering of the faithful in California on November 1st. Preceeding this gathering, he is asking for believers to support this event with 40 days of prayer and fasting. Many will use the Daniel Fast.

Here is information for The Call website:

TheCall California – November 1, 2008

Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego


TheCall California Part 1:

They came like waves crashing onto the shores of California. Leaving behind a legacy of glory and apostolic influence, great manifestations of the power and love of God broke in on past generations of hungry saints. Waves of God’s great presence cascaded upon her shores in 1906, 1919, 1947, 1948, 1967, 1971, 1980, and 1994. These waves are California’s revivals. In the midst of unspeakable decadence, corporate greed, cultural trend setting, and global pornographic exportation, there lies deposited deeply below California’s crusty surface gold-there’s oil in her hills. Something continually draws God to the scene. Could it be that God is drawn to her pain? Maybe God sees her shores as hosting planet’s lost prophets with misplaced passions or maybe he is drawn to the cry of her wandering masses. Whatever be the case, He comes, and when he does, the entire world is changed. The tongues of fire that erupted at Azusa have lit up the world. The revivals sown in Hollywood loosed great evangelists like Bill Bright and Billy Graham. The Jesus Movement gave us Calvary love songs that have kissed the youth of the globe. The new wine of worship and healing came from California’s vineyards. These ancient songs awaken us from our nightmare and remind us something that was and can be again. Hollywood, the “woman at the well”, could become the great evangelist again in these last days.

In 1946, Franklin Hall launched a fasting and prayer movement out of San Diego with a book called Atomic Power With God Through Fasting and Prayer. Thousands were stirred to enter into extended consecration fasts. Shortly after, the great healing revival broke out in 1947, followed by the campus revivals, and the Hollywood revivals in 1948. In the very same year, across the globe in the heart of the middle-east, by God’s divine mandate Israel was again called a nation. Could there be that there was a connection between what God was doing in California and the orchestrating of His divine purposes in the creation of the nation of Israel? Is it possible that the outpouring of God presence and the igniting of prayer in California were in reality connected with God’s heart to birth an entire nation? I believe it was global Joel 2 moment in which the scripture promises that after the fast, God would restore the land and pour out his spirit on all flesh. I hear TheCall again; “Gather the people, call a fast, and afterwards I will pour out my spirit.”

Now 50 years later, California sits within a fog of Jezebel confusion. Recently the Supreme Court of California disregarded the votes of the people and legalized homosexual marriage. The entire world listened attentively as the mayor of San Francisco boasted, “As California goes, so goes the rest of the nation. Its inevitable, this door is wide open. It’s going to happen whether you like it or not. This is the future, and its now.” The world is looking to California for moral leadership while California finds herself caught in the snare of idolatry and self-worship. Recently I received an urgent call on behalf of hundreds of pastors admitting that California wouldn’t be saved simply political petitioning and confessed the reality of an ongoing spiritual battle within the state and the need to mobilize for mass fasting and prayer. They asked us to bring TheCall to San Diego, not knowing that we received several powerful directives from the Lord a year ago that TheCall was going to go to the stadium in San Diego.

This bill mentioned is a reflection of how far down the line we have come in removing the very moral foundations that preserve society. The moral levies in America are breaking and once marriage is redefined, it will be a matter of time before the entire structure of morality collapses within our nation. In one sense, this bill mirrors our own inward moral concessions as a church to the prevailing culture, and it is the fruit of a compromising silence that has failed to confront the rising spiritual and political contenders. But it is not too late! This is not a time for hiding in caves. This is a time to resist mightily the spirit of peaceful coexistence and apathetic resignation in the face of this prevailing darkness. We are coming to a Mount Carmel moment, which I believe could be the church’s finest hour where she challenges her own compromise and then gains authority through prayer and action which is her true vocation. Then our light will break forth like the dawn and truth will no longer be trampled under the feet of renegade kings and judges. The church is not at the mercy of political decrees of destruction. Jesus is the Lord of history! Though these decrees stand today, they will not stand forever. God is the one who reverses the edicts of man, using the church as an agent of righteous revolution to displace kings and overthrow their decrees through the weapons of fasting and prayer.

Therefore, we are summoning believers from all across the state of California and the nation to gather for a Joel 2 moment. When there is no remedy, when there is no natural hope, God still has a holy prescription. Blow the trumpet in Zion, gather the people, and call a fast. Let the believers of this great state gather and cry out to God believing that California could become the flash point of real change in America not the open door to societal collapse. Let us return to the fasting praying womb in San Diego and seek the face of God on November 1st, 2008 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. 

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Teens on the Daniel Fast

August 11, 2008 at 10:45 am (Daniel Fast, Daniel Fast Guidelines, Spiritual Fasting)
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I receive many questions about getting family members on board for a Daniel Fast, and frequently parents ask about how to motivate their teens to enter into the discipline. So I wanted to share my thoughts about this topic, especially since fasting and the Daniel Fast are growing in popularity among followers of Christ around the world.

First, I encourage parents familiarize themselves with the fast and why it is such a powerful discipline. Also, learn of the health benefits of the Daniel Fast as well as the benefits to the spirit and soul.

Then, call a family meeting to introduce the Daniel Fast to the other family members. Explain that you (the parents) have chosen to enter into the spiritual experience and that your hope is that the whole family will engage in the fast. Explain what the fast is, perhaps reading Daniel 1 and Daniel 10 and showing them a print-out of the Daniel Fast Food List.

However, be quick to explain that you understand that as teens, their food needs are different since they are growing and physically more active. Suggest that they continue to eat chicken and less bread or other foods that would assure their success on the fast.

Ask them if this is something they would like to do and what modifications they think might be good. And tell them you want to help them be successful on their fast.

If your teen balks at the fast, ask him or her to consider it for a day or two before giving a final answer. If they don’t want to participate, then accept their decision and let it go. Tell them they can change their minds, or decide to fast from soda or candy or some other single food. But since this is a decision they need to make for themselves, let them decide.

Younger children should not be required to engage on a full Daniel Fast, however it would be okay to introduce your children to fasting by leading them into a fast from candy or sugary desserts.

Remember, a fast should never be harmful to ones body and should guide the believer into a deeper walk with Christ. Fasting is a discipline, but it is not legalistic. There is no power in foods eaten or restricted. The power is in putting your spirit in charge of your soul and your body . . . committing the fast and the time to the Lord and drawing closer to Him as you seek Him with your whole heart.

Parents, please offer your comments! Perhaps you have some ideas that can help others as they lead their family into the power and discipline of spiritual fasting.

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The Call DC – Live on God.tv – August 16 10 to 10

August 6, 2008 at 8:54 am (Corporate Fasting, Spiritual Fasting)
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TheCall DC - LIVE on GOD TV!
August 16 from 10am to 10pm [ET]

TheCall

Don’t miss this year’s biggest TheCall event as crowds of Christians gather at the National Mall in Washington DC on August 16.

 

Tune in for this exclusive LIVE broadcast as countless Americans repent of their sins and cry out to God to impact their nation. This promises to be a life changing solemn assembly that will see prayer warriors from all over the United States join in a massive day of united prayer and fasting to seek God’s face for their cities and nation.

 

If you can make it, register now. But if you can’t, then tune in to GOD TV, set up a big screen at your home or local church and invite everyone to join together. Whatever you do, don’t miss this extraordinary event!

 

“Eight years ago, God by His Spirit moved the church in America to pray. It made a difference in our national life. In this present year of political campaigning, the Church needs to be on its knees. I want to encourage you to be there as you are able. TheCall to the Mall, let’s pray for our land and God will answer us.” — Jack Hayford

 

“TheCall DC is going to be a true national solemn assembly. Bring your family, bring your sons and your daughters, your wife, your husband, your dogs, your cats, whatever you need to bring with you to be there! I’ll see you there!” — Rick Joyner

 

“Come to Washington DC, to the National Mall. August 16th. And hear TheCall DC for your life, your family, your state, and our nation. We will humble ourselves and pray and fast and seek the face of The Lord. God bless you and I’ll see you in Washington DC.” — Luis Palau

 

“I believe August 16th will be a significant day in the history of our nation. As hundreds of thousands gather to The Mall in Washington DC for prayer and fasting believing that God can turn our nation back to him.” — Mike Bickle

 

Visit God.tv online for the latest programming times and information on how you can watch GOD TV.

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MorningStar Call to Prayer & Fasting 08.08.08

July 21, 2008 at 10:33 am (2008 Daniel Fast, Daniel Fast, Spiritual Fasting)
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MorningStar Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor Rick Joyner, has been led to call a 40-day fast leading up to 08.08.08 or August 8, 2008. Here is what they announced:

We are going to proclaim a solemn assembly and fast for forty days leading up to August 8.  Some may want to do a total fast; others may want to fast from something like desserts or television.  Let the Lord lead you, but if possible, we will be gathering on August 8 for a celebration and, I think, a commissioning.  If you can join us at H.I.M. for any part of this, please do.   If you cannot be here, you can still join us by webstreaming wherever you are. – Rick Joyner

You can learn more about this fast by visiting the MorningStar Ministries website. You can also see a video presentation by Rick Joyner about this very important call to prayer and fasting. Even though the fast has already started, it’s not too late to join in this corporate movement.

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