Daniel Fast

Why do we fast?

Many of us are eagerly anticipating the new year. It is an opportunity to reset and start with
renewed dedication, focus and determination. As a ministry, we want to set a strong spiritual
foundation for God to lead us throughout the year.

When we fast, we temporarily sacrifice something to devote more time and attention to worshiping God, praying, and spending time in His Word. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of fasting as a way to become more intimate with God:

• Daniel fasted three weeks before receiving his vision (Daniel 10:2-6).
• Elijah fasted 40 days before speaking with God (1 Kings 19:8).
• Jesus himself fasted (Matthew 4:1-11)

How do we fast?

Similar to years prior, we will follow the Daniel Fast model — beginning Monday, January 6 at 6:00 a.m. through Sunday, January 26 at 6:00 p.m. The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of the prophet Daniel along with standard Jewish fasting principles. It is a partial fast, meaning that some foods are eaten and others are restricted (see complete list below of foods to include and foods to avoid). During this time, we ask that you:

• Follow the Daniel Fast food model (see list below). Please note, if you have specific health needs or concerns, please consult with a trusted health professional before beginning this fast.
• Join the daily devotions on Zoom at 5:30 a.m. on Mondays through Fridays; 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Foods to Include

• All fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon.
• All vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
• 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 and popcorn.
• All nuts and seed: Including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
• All legumes: These can be canned or dried. Legumes include 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, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
• Beverages: Spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
• Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices, and vegan butter

Foods to Avoid

• All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
• All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
• All sweeteners, including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
• All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
• All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
• All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
• All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
• Certain beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.