Preparing for a Daniel Fast

As we approach the new year, many of us feel a deep calling to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and intercede powerfully for our lives, families, church, and world. That's why we're inviting our entire church family to join in a 21-day Daniel Fast, beginning on January 1, 2026, and concluding on January 22, 2025—just in time to launch us into our intensive 24-hour weekend prayer retreat starting the 23rd evening. This fast isn't about dieting or willpower alone; it's a biblical act of humility, consecration, and focused prayer. By setting aside certain foods, we deny our flesh to sharpen our spiritual senses, hear God's voice more clearly, and prepare our hearts for a breakthrough encounter with Him during the retreat.
What Is the Daniel Fast? The Daniel Fast is a partial fast inspired by the prophet Daniel in the Bible. In Daniel 1:8-16, Daniel and his friends refused the king's rich foods and wine, choosing instead vegetables and water to honor God. After 10 days, they appeared healthier and wiser than others. Later, in Daniel 10:2-3, Daniel mourned and sought God for three weeks (21 days): "I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips." During this time, he received profound revelation and angelic visitation. Modern Daniel Fasts typically last 21 days and follow a plant-based eating plan, avoiding animal products, processed foods, sugars, and more. The goal is spiritual: to restrict "pleasures" as an act of worship, while increasing prayer and Bible reading.
 
Daniel Fast Guidelines: 
Foods to Eat and Avoid 
Focus on whole, natural foods God created. Drink plenty of water!
Foods to Enjoy:

• All fruits (fresh, frozen, dried without added sugar—e.g., apples, bananas, berries, avocados)
• All vegetables (fresh, frozen—e.g., broccoli, spinach, potatoes, carrots)
• Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley—unsweetened)
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
• Nuts and seeds (unsalted)
• Healthy oils (olive, coconut, avocado—in moderation)
• Herbs, spices, salt, pepper
• Beverages: Water (primary), unsweetened herbal teas (some allow sparingly), 100% fruit/vegetable juices (limited)

Foods to Avoid:

• Meat and animal products 
• Sweeteners (sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners)
• Processed foods, refined grains (white rice, white flour)
• Fried foods, solid fats
• Caffeine (coffee, black tea), alcohol
• Sugary drinks, sodas

Tip: Read labels carefully. If you're pregnant, nursing, or have health concerns, use common sense and consult your doctor and modify as needed—the heart of fasting matters most.
Why Fast for 21 Days Before Our Prayer Retreat? (Still do it even if you aren't going)
Our 24-hour prayer retreat on January 23-24 will be a sacred time of united intercession, worship, and seeking God's direction for the year ahead. The preceding Daniel Fast will:

• Humble us before God (as Daniel did)
• Heighten our spiritual sensitivity
• Build discipline and dependence on Him
• Unite us as a church body in sacrifice and prayer

By the time we gather for the retreat, we'll arrive with softened hearts, free from distractions, ready for God to move powerfully.
Practical Tips to Succeed

1. Pray First: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you.
2. Plan Meals: Stock up on approved foods. Simple ideas: Oatmeal with fruit for breakfast; salads, stir-fries, or soups for lunch/dinner; smoothies or nuts for snacks.
3. Increase Prayer & Scripture: Replace meal prep time with Bible reading and prayer. Journal what God speaks.
4. Stay Hydrated: Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Make sure you take a mineral supplement with potassium and sodium, it helps!
5. Community Support: Get some accountability and even share recipes and encouragements or better yet, do a few meals together.  
6. Grace Over Perfection: If you slip, repent and continue—God honors your heart.

Let's commit together: For 21 days, we'll say no to certain foods so we can say yes to more of God. Imagine the breakthroughs awaiting us at the retreat! Are you in? Sign up here to join this journey. May the Lord meet us powerfully as we seek Him.“When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you.” (Jeremiah 29:13-14)