Fasting is mentioned many times in the Bible. Usually, it is mentioned as a regular part of life for God's servants. Sometimes people who didn't even worship God would fast when God started to deal with them. The Bible talks about different kinds of fasts. Some are just a few days, some are over a month. Some people were eating no food and drinking no water. Others, such as Daniel, avoided all the fancy foods usually served to the king because he was so determined to get an answer from God. 

When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed. 

Daniel 10:2-3 NLT

Prayer Targets

Fasting is not a diet. If it does not include seeking God, it is not a fast. Here are some examples of some things people seek God for.

  • Harvest of the unsaved
  • Perfect will of Father God
  • Mercy for the Nation
  • Fire of God on our youth and children
  • Marriage & family
  • Outbreak of healing
  • Wealth transfer
  • Multiply signs and wonders
  • Holy Fire on the Body of Christ
  • Boldness
  • Understanding what God is saying at this time. 

Tips for success

  • Commit to success. If this means you will start by just removing sugar, start with that and celebrate success. 
  • Focus on WHY you are fasting: to seek God, to hear God's voice, to become more like God.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Exercise.
  • Sometimes probiotics help regulate stomach and digestive issues.
  • Use those cravings as a reminder to pray instead of a bad side effect.
  • Remember that fasting can help you develop fruit of the spirit, especially self-control. Thank God for the growth!
  • Remember, even when it's uncomfortable, your body is in a great place to heal when you are not eating sugar and processed foods.
  •  Know that your body will go through changes while on the Daniel Fast. Know what's normal.
  • Check out vegan recipes. Unless they contain sweetner, they probably meet all the requirements for the Daniel Fast.

Common Side Effects of the Daniel Fast

Not everyone experiences all these things, but just know they are perfectly normal.

The Good Stuff

  • Lower blood sugar
  • Lower cholesterol
  • More energy
  • Better sleep
  • Weight loss

The Not-So-Fun Stuff

  • Loose stool/diarrhea
  • Tiredness
  • Body aches
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain

Medical Concerns

If you are concerned how this may affect your health, talk to your doctor. In many cases, the Daniel Fast is just the kind of diet doctors recommend to reduce high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and inflamation. For most people, eating more fruits and vegetables while eliminating processed foods can reduce the effects of many common diseases.

Stay Engaged

You can sign up for daily reminders in the app which include tips to prepare for this Fast and prayer targets beginning this week through January 23, 2023.

You can download the guidelines below.