The Daniel Fast

Today's Blog will act more as an instructional writing for those of us who are setting aside January 8-28, 2012 for a time of fasting and prayer.  Today, I will deal more specifically, with the aspects of a "Daniel fast" as promised in previous posts.

 The Daniel fast is a partial fast based of the biblical principle of the prophet Daniel's fast found in Daniel 1.

Daniel 1 says that King Nebuchadnezzar instructed the palace officials to seek out some of the strong, healthy and good looking men who were well learned, who were to be poised to serve in the palace. They were to be taught the language and culture of Babylon, and they would be assigned a daily course of the Kings "best food" to include meat and wine.  But Scripture tells that Daniel  "made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king."(v.8)  Though the official had great respect for Daniel for taking such a stand, he was concerned, since the King's word was clear and his goal was to "grow" the strongest and healthiest men possible.

 Daniel pressed on telling the palace official to "...test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water," Daniel said.  "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet."  So the attendant agreed...” (vv. 12-14)  Miraculously, at the end of the time allotted, Daniel and his three friends actually looked healthier and better nourished than the men who had eaten the best food from the King's kitchen!

The end result of Daniel's stand was "God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for learning the literature and science of the time. And God gave Daniel special ability in understanding the meanings of visions and dreams.  When the three-year training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief official brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar.  The king talked with each of them, and none of them impressed him as much as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego...and in all matters requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, the king found the advice of these young men to be ten times better than that of all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom." (vv. 17-20).

Unlike a total food fast, the" Daniel Fast" is a biblically based partial fast.  As we read in Daniel 1, the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:

1. Only fruits and vegetables

2. Only water for a beverage

Then in Daniel 10, we read that the Prophet ate no meat, precious breads or foods and he drank no wine (more specifically, juice). So from this scripture, we get a third guideline:

3. No sweeteners and no breads

Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast.  So that's why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast.  So, we conclude that neither artificial or processed foods, nor any chemicals are allowed on the Daniel Fast (most grocery stores now have "organic food" sections).

The key with this fast as, with any other, is to not simply "fast" as a means of "showing God how committed you are". But rather to set aside special time for prayer and reading God's Word.  In fact, in my time of fasting, I also commit to non-food items during this fast, to ensure a more concentrated time alone with God.  For example, you may speak with your family about fasting television (before you click "exit" on this page and turn your T.V. up louder...hear me out!)

The average family watches a collective 5-8 hrs. of T.V daily. That is in excess of 50 hrs. per week in some cases!  Imagine what your spiritual connection would be to the Lord, if you spent that time in prayer and studying HIS Word! 

Here's my challenge (and let me warn you, this is not for the faint at heart!)  Try the 21-day Daniel fast with your family, with the added T.V. fast, and be amazed at how your life is transformed!  In fact, some of you who have fasted before may want to consider a total food fast, with only liquids for 21 days.  It is my opinion, however, that anyone wishing to consider such a fast, should speak to a Physician to ensure that he/she has no unseen medical issues, before doing so. (By the way...being "addicted" to Coca-Cola and chocolate does NOT constitute a "medical issue", lol!)

This 21-day fast is your opportunity to alter (or might I say "altar") your marriage, your children, your home, and yourself!  Remember, the palace official was facing a sure beheading for going against the orders of King Nebuchadnezzar.  In much the same way, this fast goes against the grain of your mortal flesh.  But, it is worth the effort to see Jesus high and lifted up...to see HIM, to hear from HIM, to sense HIM like never before!

In Passionate Pursuit,

Marc