The Daniel Fast Explained
I first completed the Daniel Fast with my church family years ago and have done it many times since. It is a powerful and beautiful fast we read about in the Bible, and one I enjoy doing occasionally. But what is the Daniel Fast, why is it important, and how do you do it?
What Does the Bible Say About the Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast is a partial 21 day fast mentioned in the Bible. It is modeled after the fast that Daniel undertook in Daniel 1 and 10 and its primary purpose is to draw us closer to God.
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.”
The Daniel Fast is gathered from these two chapters and although it doesn’t give us Daniel’s full menu, it does provide a lot of information.
Guidelines of the Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast lasts for 21 days and limits the kind of foods we can eat. As we don’t have a firm list in the Bible, we take what we know and look at the spirit of the which the fast was done. Try not to be so legalistic about the fast that you lose focus on the heart of the fast—God.
The fast focuses on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and a few other choice items. It removes animal products, sugar, processed and refined foods, yeast, caffeine, and more.
Here is my detailed list of foods to eat and avoid.
Focusing Solely on God
The Daniel Fast—as any fast—can be a spiritual and physical reminder that helps us to lean on God. True satisfaction is found in Him, not food comforts. So, for those wanting to use the fast as an opportunity to draw close to God, make steps towards using it prayerfully by spending time with Him and reading his word.
Fasting may help you connect more deeply than ever before because there are fewer distractions around when all attention must solely focus on God!
Resources for the Daniel Fast
A PDF printout of foods to eat and avoid.
A Pinterest board of my favorite Daniel Fast recipes.
A YouVersion reading plan specifically for the Daniel Fast that I like to use.
A helpful resource on all things Daniel Fast that I like to use.