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!
Well, I am back from a fabulous time in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Our nine-member team had a very successful mission trip and God’s presence and blessings went before us the whole time.
I will write more about this experience in the next couple days (if you want to be on the Daniel Fast mailing list go to www.Daniel-Fast.com and sign up). But I just wanted to write a quick note and say thank you for your prayers and support! I can honestly say that God revealed to me in a powerful way that I was in the center of His will while I was there. He also showed me that He has more for me to do in Zimbabwe by partnering with the body of Christ that is so deeply rooted there.
Over the next few days I will catch up with the comments left on the blog. I have another 35 comment replies!
God is so good and I am thankful to know Him and serve Him!
This will be We a quick post as I am in an Internet cafe in Middleburg, South Africa. I am here with a nine-member mission team sharing God’s love and encouragement with our Christian brothers and sisters in Christ in Zimbabwe and now South Africa.
The ministry time has been powerful and God’s grace has been so evident! I am eager to share more with you when I return in less than a week. Thank you for your continued prayers. We all sense the covering and I praise God for you!
I am sorry this is so short, but “we’re not in Kansas anymore!” I will write more when I am back home.
This is just a quick note to let you know you can find more free recipes for the Daniel Fast at www.Daniel-Fast.com. Just click on “recipes” and you will see where you can access the free Daniel Fast recipes.
Also, you can receive the Daniel Fast Guidelines in brochure form by requesting it at that site. When you join the Daniel Fast mailing list, you will receive several sets of Daniel Fast recipes along with ideas and tips for your successful Daniel Fast.
I hope you are experiencing a meaningful Daniel Fast. This is a powerful way to connect with God in a more intimate way.
At a time when many are feeling vulnerable and as risk, we can put our faith in Christ who is faithful all the time and offers the security we need. Take a few minutes and feed your spirit with this powerful message.
Mercy Said No by CeCe Winans
This is from CeCe Winans’ Throne Room CD, which is an awesom collection of music that will touch your heart.
We all have foods that we miss a lot when we are in the Daniel Fast. Mine is coffee. Just about every thing else is tolerable. But I really miss coffee. But there is no getting around it, coffee and any kind of substitute is out on the Daniel Fast.
Others seem to miss chips the most. They serve as a great delivery system for both salsa and salt, so I understand the challenge. The good news is that it’s easier to find a suitable substitute for chips.
If you miss being able to “crunch” on something, then rice cakes are a great way to go. I use the ones made from brown rice and I keep them around all the time for snacks and a quick breakfast by adding peanut butter, raisins and nuts.
But if you need something for your salsa, consider cut or finely sliced vegetables including carrots, celery, jicama or lettuce leaves. Not exactly the same, but healthier and Daniel Fast friendly!
Search the health food stores for baked chips that might fit the demand. You’ll need to read the label and make sure the chips are not deep fried. Also, keep your eye out for any kind of leavening. I have learned that there are some flat breads being made now using a modified Ezekiel Bread ingredients.
Finally, you could always bite the bullet and just go without like I have to with the coffee! It’s a tough road, but I know you can make it! Just think of how good that first chip will taste when you’ve completed your successful fast!
I had guests the other day and made this Mango and Black Bean Salad. Even though I am not fasting right now, I realized this would be a great recipe while on the Daniel Fast. The recipe was on a can of Bush’s Best Black Beans.
Mango and Black Bean Salad
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh mango, diced
1 cup sweet red bell pepper, diced
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 seeded Jalapeno pepper, minced (or hot sauce to taste)
Zoom, zoom, zoom! It’s a great hot cereal that’s been around for decades! Made by Krusteaz (the pancake folks), the cereal is 100% whole wheat. It’s the only ingredient and cooks in less than 2 minutes after the water boils!
I actually like this very inexpensive cereal. The box I just opened cost me $1.68 and contains 14 servings! That’s a pretty good deal in my book. After the cereal is cooked, I just scoop it into a bowl, add some raisins and sometimes a little soy milk. That’s it!
You could also sweeten the Zoom with chopped up sweet apple or apple juice, apple sauce or some other fruit. You might also want to add some cinnamon.
