What is a Daniel Fast?
A Daniel Fast is a spiritual fast based on the biblical experiences of the prophet Daniel. Unlike a complete fast where no food is consumed, the Daniel Fast is a partial fast—essentially a strict plant-based diet focused on whole foods and water.
It is typically undertaken for 21 days, but we will be doing it as a church for 14 days. You are free to fast longer than the 14 days, but the focus is on reflecting the time Daniel spent in prayer and fasting in Daniel 10:2-3. Some people may want to do a 100% food fast and that is acceptable. Remember, the focus is on the Lord.
It is typically undertaken for 21 days, but we will be doing it as a church for 14 days. You are free to fast longer than the 14 days, but the focus is on reflecting the time Daniel spent in prayer and fasting in Daniel 10:2-3. Some people may want to do a 100% food fast and that is acceptable. Remember, the focus is on the Lord.
The Biblical Foundation
The fast is inspired by two specific passages in the Book of Daniel:
* Daniel 1:8–12: Daniel refuses the king’s rich food and wine, requesting only vegetables and water.
* Daniel 10:2–3: Daniel mourns for three weeks, eating "no choice food; no meat or wine."
* Daniel 1:8–12: Daniel refuses the king’s rich food and wine, requesting only vegetables and water.
* Daniel 10:2–3: Daniel mourns for three weeks, eating "no choice food; no meat or wine."
What to Eat and Avoid
The general rule of thumb for the Daniel Fast is: If it comes from a seed, it’s a Yes. If it’s man-made or from an animal, it’s a No.
Foods to Include (The "Yes" List)
* All Fruit: Fresh, frozen, dried (no added sugar), or canned (in its own juice).
* All Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned.
* Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, barley, whole-wheat pasta, and popcorn (air-popped, no butter).
* Legumes: Beans (black, kidney, pinto, etc.), lentils, and peas.
* Nuts and Seeds: All raw or dry-roasted nuts, nut butters (with no added sugar/oils), and seeds like chia or flax.
* Healthy Oils: Minimal amounts of olive, avocado, or coconut oil for cooking.
* Beverages: Water is the primary drink. Some also allow 100% natural fruit juices (used sparingly).
Foods to Avoid (The "No" List)
* Meat and Animal Products: Beef, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter).
* Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, and all artificial sweeteners.
* Leavened Bread: Anything containing yeast (including most breads and wraps).
* Processed Foods: Artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, and preservatives.
* Refined Carbs: White flour and white rice.
* Deep-Fried Foods: Potato chips, French fries, etc.
* Solid Fats: Margarine, lard, or shortening.
* Caffeine and Alcohol: Coffee, tea, soda, and wine.
How to Do the Daniel Fast
Define Your Purpose: Before starting, identify why you are fasting. Is it for wisdom, healing, a loved one or a closer relationship with God? Write that down (yes, write it down).
* Daniel Fast is about more than just a diet change; it is intended to be a period of seeking the Lord.
* Prepare Physically: A few days before starting, begin tapering off caffeine and sugar to minimize "withdrawal" headaches.
* Plan Your Meals: Since most processed foods are off-limits, you will need to cook from scratch. Stock up on beans, rice, and fresh produce.
* Prioritize Prayer: Use the time you would normally spend eating heavy meals or drinking coffee to pray, meditate, or read scripture. Pastor Skott’s 40 New Testament Challenge is a great suggestion, which can be found in the church app.
Foods to Include (The "Yes" List)
* All Fruit: Fresh, frozen, dried (no added sugar), or canned (in its own juice).
* All Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned.
* Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, barley, whole-wheat pasta, and popcorn (air-popped, no butter).
* Legumes: Beans (black, kidney, pinto, etc.), lentils, and peas.
* Nuts and Seeds: All raw or dry-roasted nuts, nut butters (with no added sugar/oils), and seeds like chia or flax.
* Healthy Oils: Minimal amounts of olive, avocado, or coconut oil for cooking.
* Beverages: Water is the primary drink. Some also allow 100% natural fruit juices (used sparingly).
Foods to Avoid (The "No" List)
* Meat and Animal Products: Beef, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter).
* Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, and all artificial sweeteners.
* Leavened Bread: Anything containing yeast (including most breads and wraps).
* Processed Foods: Artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, and preservatives.
* Refined Carbs: White flour and white rice.
* Deep-Fried Foods: Potato chips, French fries, etc.
* Solid Fats: Margarine, lard, or shortening.
* Caffeine and Alcohol: Coffee, tea, soda, and wine.
How to Do the Daniel Fast
Define Your Purpose: Before starting, identify why you are fasting. Is it for wisdom, healing, a loved one or a closer relationship with God? Write that down (yes, write it down).
* Daniel Fast is about more than just a diet change; it is intended to be a period of seeking the Lord.
* Prepare Physically: A few days before starting, begin tapering off caffeine and sugar to minimize "withdrawal" headaches.
* Plan Your Meals: Since most processed foods are off-limits, you will need to cook from scratch. Stock up on beans, rice, and fresh produce.
* Prioritize Prayer: Use the time you would normally spend eating heavy meals or drinking coffee to pray, meditate, or read scripture. Pastor Skott’s 40 New Testament Challenge is a great suggestion, which can be found in the church app.
21 Day Journal
Download the journal and use during your fasting, praying and reading the Bible. If you have never journaled before, just start writing what happened that day. There is no wrong way to do it, so have fun and express your experiences. You will get so much out of by reflecting what God is doing in your life. Click the file below and download it.
15 Day Prayer Guide
Download the 15 Day Daniel Prayer Guide and use during your prayer time starting on the 15th day. Each day is a topic that will guide you as you pray 3x’s a day. Please add your own prayer needs and this only a guide. Remember to journey and by the end of the 15 days you will clearly see how God has been moving in your life and others. Time to open the windows of heaven. Click the file below...