Daniel Fast
Join us as our Church takes 3 weeks to Fast, Pray, and Pursue God!
How can I join in?
1. Pray and commit to fasting something (more info below)
2. Intentionally Take More time these 3 weeks to spend with God, in worship, in His word and seeking Him in prayer.
3. PRAY:
JOIN US FOR PRAYER SUMMITS – Every Tuesday at 7:00pm. Childcare will be available for children 6 months – Age 6
During the Fast, we want to lift up each other in Prayer! Head over to our prayer wall to: submit a personal request that you have (leave it anonymous or not it’s your choice), and lift up the request of others in Prayer!
What is Fasting?
Fasting is the act of taking something the body needs and or wants and intentionally abstaining for spiritual purposes. It is meant to be an act of worship to proclaim: “God, you are more important than this” and “God, I need you more than this”. Fasting is a great reminder and way to teach ourselves that we are not to be led and mastered by our flesh but by the Lord. Fasting is a way to humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69:10). You may find yourself relying on God more fully for strength when you fast.
Fasting isn’t meant to put your body through suffering to earn God’s favour, but is an act of worship and love to God. Taking time to seek God in prayer is an incredibly important part of fasting as well, as you do not want the focus of your fast to be on the physical diet but on Spiritual/Heart Renewal.
Fasting was a common practice in Biblical times. As a believer in God, there was an expectation that disciples would fast. When people noticed Jesus’ disciples’ were not fasting, Jesus had to clear things up saying “But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast” (Mark 2:20).
How to Prepare for the Fast
- Take time in Listening Prayer – ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about what He wants you to focus on in prayer during the fast and what He would like you to fast
- Prepare Physically – if you will be fasting certain foods or types of foods consider getting a jump start on helping your body adjust by weening off of these foods before you start your fast. This will make your fast a bit less shocking on your body.
- Read Biblical Passages about fasting like: Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-18, Acts 14:13, Ezra 8:21-23, Joel 2
What Should I Fast?
Ultimately there are many things you could fast we encourage you to pray about this commitment, and consider your own health conditions and dietary restrictions.
Types of Fasts:
Media Entertainment Fast:
Given how much time many spend on our screens and media, fasting different types of media is a very beneficial thing to do.
Pray about what media you should fast but also be careful to not merely replace one form of media with another I.E. I’ll fast Social Media but watch more Netflix.
Selected Food Fast
Fast specific types of food or drinks such as meat, bread, sweets, pop, snacks, coffee/caffeine, alcohol, grains etc.
If you have medical reasons why you should not fast meals, consider a modified selected food fast.
Daniel Fast (Daniel 10:2-3)
A partial fast where you eat only fruits, vegetables, All Whole Grains (Including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes) All Nuts and Seeds Legumes, (including but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans), All Quality Oils (including but not limited to olive, grape seed, peanut, and sesame), Water, Non-Caffeinated Teas, Fruit Juice (no sugar added)
24-hour Partial Fast
A full day of fasting, from one meal to the same meal on the next day, for example, lunch to lunch
You can fast 1 day per week or 1 day a month, etc.
One-Meal-Per-Day Fast
Fast one meal per day for one or more days per week
24hr Full Fast:
- Drink only clear juices or water for 24 hours
- You can do this one day per week
- You will feel some hunger pangs or discomfort before the day is over, this isn’t real hunger. Your stomach has been trained through years of conditioning to give hunger signals at certain times of the day. Ignore these signals; we are to be masters of our stomachs, not its slave!
- If family obligations permit it, devote the meal times to prayer and reading of the Word.
3-day Fast or longer:
- Follow the same guidelines as for 24hr full fasts
- Don’t “stock up” on food leading up to the fast; have lighter meals beforehand
- Be careful when ending your fast, your stomach has shrunk so eat lighter meals that are easy to digest
- Please note if you are struggling with not eating or you find you are not physically able to go the full length you set out to fast: that is okay! You can always modify your fast and continue to press into the Lord just the same!
What happens to my body when I don’t eat?
Days 1-3
These days are the most difficult days of a fast in terms of physical discomfort and hunger. The body is beginning to rid itself of toxins, an uncomfortable process. You may experience headaches during this time, especially if you are an avid coffee or tea drinker – those are mild withdrawal symptoms and will pass, though uncomfortable for the time.
Day 4
Often by this day, the hunger pains begin to subside though you can have feelings of weakness and occasional dizziness, which is often temporary. If you are struggling with weakness, try rest as the remedy. You may find this the most difficult period of the fast.
Days 6-10
Often by this point in the fast, you should begin to feel stronger and more alert. Hunger pains often diminish and become minor as you approach days 9-10. By this point, the body will have eliminated the bulk of toxins and you’ll feel good with your concentration sharpened. Some people feel like they could fast indefinitely by this stage. Physically this is the most enjoyable part of the fast.
Days 21-40
After three weeks with no food, hunger pains will return, signaling the first stage of starvation. At this point, the body has used up its reserves and is beginning to draw on the living tissue. The fast should be carefully broken at this point.