21 Day Daniel Fast

The 21 Day Daniel Fast for OWBC

One Way Baptist Church
Samuel L Buhl, Sr., Senior Pastor

“At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips (Dan. 10:2-3).

Annual
“21-Day Prayer and Fasting”

The intention of the modern-day Daniel Fast is not to duplicate exactly what Daniel did but the spirit in which he did it.

Preparing for Our 21-Day Prayer and Fasting

Take time to study passages in the Bible that have to do with fasting. It will help you gain insight on people fasted, the ways God responded to their prayers, and what God requires of His people on a fast. Suggested passages are Isaiah 58, 2 Chron. 20:1-4, Ezra 8:21-23, Neh. 1:1-4, Est. 4:15-17, and Matt. 4:1-11.

January 5 – January 25

The Daniel Fast is an opportunity for us as a church, and individually, to draw closer to God through fervent, focused prayer. Family, as we prepare to enter this sacred season of prayer and fasting, it’s important that we do so wisely, prayerfully, and intentionally. Fasting is not about punishment or perfection—it’s about positioning ourselves to hear God more clearly.

1. Prepare Your Heart (Spiritual Readiness)

  • Begin praying now about why you are fasting.
  • Ask God to reveal areas that need surrender, healing, clarity, or renewal.
  • Set clear spiritual goals: direction, discipline, deliverance, gratitude, or deeper intimacy with God.
  • Remember: fasting without prayer is just dieting—prayer is the focus.

2. Decide Your Fast (Personal Commitment)

Not everyone fasts the same way. Choose what you will give up prayerfully and realistically:

  • Daniel fast (fruits, vegetables, water)
  • Partial fast (one or two meals a day)
  • Media fast (social media, TV, unnecessary screen time)
  • Sugar, caffeine, sweets, or specific foods
  • Combination fast (food + media)

The goal is sacrifice that creates space for God, not harm to your body.

3. Prepare Your Body (Physical Wisdom)

  • If you’re fasting food, ease into it—start reducing heavy foods, sugar, and caffeine.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • If you have medical conditions, take medication, are pregnant, or have health concerns—please consult your doctor and modify your fast as needed.

God honors obedience, not risk.

4. Set a Prayer Plan (Daily Discipline)

  • Choose a consistent time each day to pray.
  • Read Scripture daily—even short passages.
  • Keep a journal to write what God reveals.
  • Replace what you remove (food, media) with prayer, worship, and the Word.

5. Expect Resistance — but Stay Focused

  • You may feel tired, distracted, or tempted to quit—this is normal.
  • Stay encouraged and stay connected.
  • Don’t compare your fast to anyone else’s.
  • If you stumble, don’t stop—just keep going.

6. Go In With Expectation

  • Expect clarity.
  • Expect conviction.
  • Expect confirmation.
  • Expect growth.
  • Expect God to meet you right where you are.

Family, this fast is not about being seen—it’s about being set apart. We believe God is going to speak, strengthen, and shift things during these 21 days.

Let’s go in humble, hungry, and hopeful.

If you want help with food, you can find three weeks of meal plans in The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.