ABC’S of The Daniel Fast
Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life. Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God’s people fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God’s face not His hand-with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from Heaven and Heal Our Lives, Our Churches, Our Communities, Our Nation and World. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival- a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of the world and the fulfillment of the Great Commission!
GETTING STARTED
FASTING BASICS
Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and fast.
BIBLICAL FASTING
Takes a lot of discipline and strength-strength which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6.
WHY SHOULD I FAST?
- Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
- Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
- Is there a dream inside you that only God can make possible?
- Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
- Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
- Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
- Do you need to break away from bondage’s that have been holding you hostage?
- Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
- Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?
BIBLICAL FASTING FOCUS
I want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. I encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. I believe that, as we pray and seek God and give Him our best, He will bless the REST of our year (Matthew 6:33)!
ISAIAH 58:6 (READ THE ENTIRE CHAPTER)
“[ls] not this the fast that I have chosen to lose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
“l exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
ROMANS 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.”
MATTHEW 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
FIVE FINGER PRAYER
1) YOUR THUMB IS NEAREST TO YOU
So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you such as your family and friends, they are the easiest to remember.
2) THE NEXT FINGER IS THE POINTING FINGER
The pointing finger reminds you to pray for your leader and those who instruct and point you in the right direction and don’t forget to include the ministerial staff and the church leadership when you pray!
3) THE NEXT FINGER IS THE TALLEST FINGER
Our tallest finger reminds us of those who are in charge. Pray for the president, congress, senators, governors, mayors, etc. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.
4) THE FOURTH FINGER IS OUR RING FINGER
The ring finger is our weakest finger, it reminds us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night.
5) LASTLY COMES OUR LITTLE FINGER
This is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “the least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK DURING THE FAST
FRUITS: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon (and any other fruit not listed)
NUTS: Raw or dry roasted nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, cashews (and any other nut not listed).
VEGETABLES: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collard Greens, Chili Peppers, 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 (and any other vegetable not listed)
DRINKS: Hot Water with lemon and honey, Drinking water, Natural fruit juices, natural frozen juice bars
NON MEAT: Morning Star, Boca (Veggie Burgers, Veggie Chicken Patties, Veggie Riblets, etc.)
CONDIMENTS: Salt, Pepper, Seasoning Salt, Olive Oil, Ketchup, Mustard, Vinegar, Butter, Salad Dressing