The 21 Day Daniel Fast for OWBC
The 21 Day Daniel Fast for OWBC
The Daniel Fast is designed to better connect us with God. As a church, we will take 21 days to deepen our relationship with God through fasting certain foods and liquids. During the fast we are focusing on what God wants to do in our personal lives as well as what He desires to do in this body of believers. We are praying for spiritual awakening. We are asking God to use us to see many accept Christ. We are asking God to allow us to be the light in this dark world.
When:
Sunday, January 12 – Saturday, February 1, 2025
What:
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means we will eliminate some common things from our daily diet but will have generous options of other foods and liquids available. Specifically, we will avoid all meat, sweets and dairy. We will eat generous portions of fruits and vegetables. We will drink only water and juices.
*If you have any known medical conditions or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning the fast. *
How:
There are many ways to do the fast. This is, in part, due to the lack of clarity in the Bible as to exactly what Daniel did during his fast. It is best to define your food guidelines before the fast begins, understanding that not everyone will be able to participate in the same way. This fast requires preparation because many meals need to be made at home, but you can also eat out if you choose wisely. Some sample recipes are available online.
Participation:
A fast is mentioned twice in the book of Daniel. Once is for 21 days (Daniel 10:2-3) and the second for 10 days (Daniel 1:8-21). If circumstances will not allow you to participate in the full 21 day fast, please consider how you can participate and set aside time to join in prayer and fasting.
Scripture References:
How many meals a day do you eat on a Daniel Fast?
The Scriptures doesn’t really state the amount of food that can be consumed. However, I do encourage people to keep in mind that this is a fast (restricting food for a spiritual purpose). With that in mind, eating no more than three moderate meals and two small snacks would be appropriate.
What is the prayer for the Daniel Fast?
Lord, as I follow Your leading in my life and observe the Daniel Fast, begin the process of healing my body and restoring my health. Make me sensitive to what You want to accomplish in my body and accept my body as a living sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
What Can I Eat on the Daniel Fast
Foods to Eat during the Fast
All Fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch for added sugar)
All Vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned *Veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy*
All Whole Grains: Barley, Oats, Whole Wheat, Brown Rice, Popcorn (no butter), Oatmeal (plain), Grits (no butter), Quinoa, Rolled Oats, Millet, Rice Cakes (plain)
All Nuts & Seeds: All Nuts (raw, unsalted), Almonds, Sprouts, Cashews, Peanuts, Sunflowers, Flax, Sesame, Walnuts; All Nut Butters that are all natural, including almond and peanut butter (no sugar added)
All Legumes: These can be canned or dried; All Beans (Black, Cannellini, Garbanzo (Chickpeas), Great Northern, Green, Kidney, Pinto, White); All Peas (Black Eyed Peas, Green Peas, Split Peas), Lentils
All Quality Oils: Canola, Coconut, Grapeseed, Olive, Peanut, Sesame
Liquids: Lots of Water, Unsweetened Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Rice Milk, 100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice (no added sugar)
Other: Tofu, Salt & Pepper, Herbs & Spices, Seasonings, Soy Products, Vinegars
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
Meat & Animal Products: Meat, Poultry, Fish
Dairy Products: Butter, Cheese, Cream, Eggs, Milk, Yogurt
Sweeteners: Sugar (raw, refined), Sugar Substitutes (splenda, etc.), High Fructose Corn Syrup (found in many foods), Cane juice (found in many foods), Molasses
Leavened Bread & Yeast
Refined & Processed Food Products: White Bread, Flour & Rice, Food Additives
Deep-Fried Foods: Corn Chips, French Fries, Potato Chips
Solid Fats: Lard, Margarine, Shortening
Beverages: Alcohol, Carbonated Drinks, Coffee, Energy Drinks, Tea
Common Food FAQs
What about prepared foods?
Read the labels of all prepared foods. The Daniel Fast in its purest form is sugar-free and chemical free. If you use any canned fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, or prepared sauces, read the label to be aware of what is included.
What about pasta?
Make sure the label says whole grain pasta with no additives (watch for sugar).
I know it says raw, unsalted nuts, but what about roasted nuts?
The goal would be to stick to raw, unsalted nuts. These are harder to find so in a pinch just make sure you get plain roasted nuts with no preservatives.
How do I get enough protein in my diet while on the fast?
The following are protein-rich foods that are allowed on the Daniel Fast: almonds, nuts, sunflower, seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains and tofu.
What kind of peanut butter is allowed?
A natural peanut butter with no additives (watch for sugars including molasses) is best. Smucker’s creamy natural peanut butter has nothing in it but peanuts.
What about popcorn?
Since corn is a vegetable, it is a great option. Just make sure to use an air popper or pop it in a pot on the stove. Stay away from microwave popcorn as it is loaded with chemicals and additives.
Here is a recipe for popping corn on the stove:
1) Put 2 TBSP of olive oil in the bottom of a large pot.
2) Add enough popcorn to cover the bottom of the pan.
3) Turn heat to medium high.
4) Put the lid on the pot. Using potholders shake the pot over the burner.
5) Continue shaking until you no longer hear kernels popping. Remove from heat.
How can I identify whole grain foods?
Typically, if the ingredient lists “whole wheat,” “rolled oats,” or “whole corn” as the first ingredient, the product is a whole grain food item. Another way to identify whole grains in the foods you eat is to look in the nutritional fact’s information and check if the food item contains dietary fiber. If it contains a significant amount, it most likely contains whole grains. “Wheat flour” is not a whole grain and therefore does not indicate a whole grain product.
What about salad dressing?
Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon or lime juice are great options. Also, look online to find out how to make your own tasty dressings.
Where can I go out to eat?
You can go anywhere and order cautiously, knowing ahead of time that you may be ordering a salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a baked potato with no extras.
How much can I eat?
If they are the appropriate foods, we are recommending eating until satisfied with no limits.
