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.
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."
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
Doing a Daniel Fast is about more than just a diet change; it is intended to be a period of seeking the Lord.
* Define Your Purpose: Before starting, identify why you are fasting. Is it for guidance, healing, or a closer relationship with God? Write that down (yes, write it down).
* 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.
What is the Daniel Prayer?
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Daniel 6:10 NIV
Set aside three times a day to pray to the Lord. Before you begin, write down prayer requests and items of breakthroughs are needed. Add to the list for the next 14 days. You can easily set your phone or time to remind you to pray. When you wake up, lunch time, and before you go to bed. When you pray make sure you praise God for what you are praying for.
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.
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."
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
Doing a Daniel Fast is about more than just a diet change; it is intended to be a period of seeking the Lord.
* Define Your Purpose: Before starting, identify why you are fasting. Is it for guidance, healing, or a closer relationship with God? Write that down (yes, write it down).
* 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.
What is the Daniel Prayer?
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Daniel 6:10 NIV
Set aside three times a day to pray to the Lord. Before you begin, write down prayer requests and items of breakthroughs are needed. Add to the list for the next 14 days. You can easily set your phone or time to remind you to pray. When you wake up, lunch time, and before you go to bed. When you pray make sure you praise God for what you are praying for.