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Details about the Daniel Fast:
This information was primarily taken from
the book “Fasting For Spiritual
Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical
Fasts” by Elmer L. Towns, published in 1996
by Regal Books, Ventura, California.
Our body is designed to heal itself. When a
disease enters our body from bad dietary
habits or from the outside, our bodies begin
to fight it. Doctors, surgery, or medicines
are most often designed to remove the source
of the problem, but the healing is done by
the body itself. Many common diseases are
easily prevented with basic good nutrition
and exercise habits.
STEP ONE: BE SPECIFIC
Daniel was not vague in his objection to the
Babylonian diet. He defined the problem
immediately.
1. The king’s food was against dietary laws.
2. Daniel and his friends had vowed against
wine.
3. The king’s food had been offered up to
idols/demons.
STEP TWO: FAST AS A SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT
The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual
commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his
heart that he would not defile himself”
(Dan. 1:8).
STEP THREE: REFLECT INNER DESIRE BY OUTER
DISCIPLINE
Many people have an inner desire for better
health, but they can’t discipline themselves
to avoid junk food, and other foods that
were not good for health. The physical
health you seek from God may be more than an
answer to prayer. Your physical health may
be linked to any of the following factors:
a. Your food choices.
b. The level of your spiritual commitment as
reflected in constant prayer during the
fast.
c. Your time commitment. If you determine to
fast for a certain time, keep it. For
example, if you determine to fast 10 days,
don’t stop on Day 9.
d. Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a
statement of faith to God that you want Him
to heal your body.
Faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.
STEP FOUR: PRAY TO PERCEIVE SIN’S ROLE IN
POOR HEALTH
Notice James 5:13-16:
• Sin is something related to the cause of
sickness.
• Lack of health/healing may be the result
of spiritual rebellion.
• Lack of health/healing may be due to sin
of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
• Repentance is linked to health according
to James.
• Elders have a role in healing both
spiritual and physical health.
• Sick people must desire to be well
• The anointing oil could mean
1. medicine for healing,
2. symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
3. it could be baptism
• Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith
is the major factor.
• In Greek there are several words for
“sick”. James uses “Kanino”, which not only
includes disease, but also means weak or
weary.
• Attitude is important. James said, “are
there any among you suffering? Let him pray.
Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”
STEP FIVE: FAST AS A STATEMENT OF FAITH
TO OTHERS
Daniel was making a statement of faith when
he asked for only vegetables to eat and
water to drink, then dared the overseer to
compare the appearance of the four sons of
Israel with the young men who ate the king’s
food.
STEP SIX: LEARN THE EFFECTS OF THE FOOD
YOU EAT
Why are some foods good for us, and other
foods not? What does certain food do to your
body? If we really knew, there would likely
be some things we would never eat again.
STEP SEVEN: YIELD ALL RESULTS TO GOD
Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your
servants” (Dan. 1:13).
REMEMBER:
• The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual
insight. “to those four young men God gave
knowledge”.
• The Daniel Fast is longer than one day.
These young men fasted for ten days.
• The Daniel Fast is a partial fast. They
ate, but only vegetables and water.
• The Daniel Fast requires abstinence from
party or junk foods.
• There is no indication that they ever
began to eat the king’s food.
GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST
(Foods We May Eat)
Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split
Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas,
Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries,
Cantelope, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats,
Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew
Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes,
Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears,
Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins,
Rasberries, Strawberries, Tangeloes,
Tangerines, Watermelon
Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets,
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage,
Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers,
Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic,
Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms,
Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley,
Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions,
Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes,
Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams,
Zucchini
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
Liquids: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100%
All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural
Vegetable Juices
(Foods to Avoid)
Meat
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products
Daily Devotion
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