HOW Church congratulates you on deciding to take on this journey by challenging yourself to seek God in such an intentional way. May the Holy Spirit be louder than your thoughts, emotions, fears, and struggles. May you encounter God in such a newly profound way. May you fall in love with His Word and His Presence. And we pray: may God the Father provides you instruction and clarity on His direction for your and your family's life for this new year.
As a congregation, we believe the Lord is doing a great work. This work starts with intentional disciples who are willing to be set apart for the Kingdom of God and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
2. The ORIGiN
The Daniel Fast is based on the scripture of Daniel 10: 2-3:
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no
meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full
three weeks.” Trying to uphold God's laws and his identity as a Jew,
Daniel ate cleanly for a period of time to show that the ways of the God
of Israel were better than the decadent and indulgent ways of the
Babylonians. These three weeks refer to the observance of the Passover
and the Feast of Unleavened Bread that take place during the
fi
rst
month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20). The book of Daniel tells the story of
the Israelites driven into exile after many years of straying from God's
ways, but primarily from the perspective of a handful of people.
The book of Daniel also contains end-time prophecy, also known as Eschatology. Daniel was one of the
young men selected to be educated in the ways of the Babylonian court, the center of the Chaldean Empire. He
learned literature, another language, court etiquette, and many other skills that would make him useful to
Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel's diet
fi
rst appears in chapter one of his life story:
But Daniel resolved that he would not de
fi
le himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.
Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
Daniel 1:8 ESV
There are two important factors that went into Daniel’s request to eat differently than everyone else in his
cohort. First and foremost, he wanted to continue to obey the Lord’s commands. Throughout the course of the
book of Daniel, his dedication to the Lord is clear. He continues to pray and seek God, even under threat of death.
He boldly interprets prophecy under the guidance of the Spirit of God, knowing it could anger the king. Keeping
his diet was part of being obedient to God. It was also important because it was a part of maintaining his identity
as an Israelite. Being chosen for service in the court of Nebuchadnezzar cost the Hebrew men a great deal, even
their own names. The Bible records in Daniel 1:7 - And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called
Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meschach, and Azariah he called Abednego. They were no
longer in their homes, had to learn a new language, lived as well-dressed and well-fed prisoners, but they had to
go by new names. Daniel clung to his identity and his God, in part by eating cleanly.
The chief eunuch had compassion on Daniel and his request to eat according to his principles, but he had
concerns that the king would get mad when Daniel and his friends were less healthy because they were not
eating approved food. As a response, Daniel gave a challenge to the Babylonian court. He said: “Test your
servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the
appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to
what you see” (Daniel 1:13-14). The king’s men still ate meat and wine, and were less healthy than Daniel and his
friends. Today, believers will sometimes adopt this diet to get healthier and to get closer to the Lord, as they often
incorporate a fast with it. In the Bible it lasted for ten days initially, and then it was implemented for a longer
period of time.
3. Week One: Clarity
Day 1: Set Yourself Apart
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not de
fi
le himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor
with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not
de
fi
le himself. - Daniel 1:8
Day 2: Your Body Is His temple
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received
from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
- 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
Day 3: Set your Heart and Mind on Things Above
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at
the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3: 1-2
Day 4: Pray for God’s Revelation
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s
instruction. - Proverbs 29: 18
Day 5: Walk in Spirit
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the
fl
esh. For the
fl
esh desires what is
contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the
fl
esh. They are in con
fl
ict with each other, so
that you are not to do whatever you want. - Galatians 5: 16-17
Day 6: Pray for Fruits of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. Against such things there is no law.Those who belong to Christ Jesus have cruci
fi
ed the
fl
esh
with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not
become conceited, provoking and envying each other. - Galatians 5: 22-26
Day 7: Pray for Ears to Hear
Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some
sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” - Mark 4: 8-9
4. Week Two: Renew
Day 8: Renew Your Mind.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
- Romans 12: 2
Day 9: Renew Your Focus.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your
hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27
Day 10: The Value of Understanding and Wisdom.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding
- Proverbs 4:7
Day 11: Letting go of the Materialistic Things, Sel
fi
sh Dreams, and Ambitions.
'Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in
them. For everything in the world—the lust of the
fl
esh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—
comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does
the will of God lives forever.’ - 1 John 2:15-17
Day 12: Renew Your Heart.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at
the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your
life is now hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3: 1-3
Day 13: Renew Your Trust in Him.
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and
my defense; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
- Isaiah 12:2-3
Day 14: Renew your Perspective, Have Faith!
Now faith is con
fi
dence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. By faith Abel
brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God
spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was
taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had
taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without
faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and
that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:1, 4-6
5. Week Three: Kingdom Come
Day 15: Kids and Youth.
Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. - Psalm 91: 14-16
Day 16: Young Adults.
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves
with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your
anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing
fi
rm in the faith, because you know
that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God
of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself
restore you and make you strong,
fi
rm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
- 1 Peter 5:5-11
Day 17: Family and Unity.
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not
repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you
were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must
keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive
to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” - 1 Peter 3:8-12
Day 18: Orphans and Widows.
Religion that is pure and unde
fi
led before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their
af
fl
iction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1:27
Day 19: Career and Business.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to
its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of
this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the
Lord evil is avoided. - Proverb 16: 3-5
Day 20: Education System.
He taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get
wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her,
and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and
whatever you get, get understanding. - Proverbs 4: 4-7
Day 21: Our Nation.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known
on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise
you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations
of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. - Psalm 67 1-5
6. FOODS TO EAT ON THE DANIEL FAST
• Whole grains: Barley, brown rice, buckwheat, farro, grits,
millet, oats, popcorn, quinoa, rice cakes, rye, sorghum, spelt,
whole wheat, whole-wheat pasta, and wild rice.
• Beans and legumes: Black beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini
beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans,
kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, pinto beans, and split peas.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia
nuts, natural nut butters (no additives), peanuts, pecans,
pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pistachios, poppy seeds, sesame
seeds, soy nuts, sun
fl
ower seeds, and walnuts.
• Vegetables: All vegetables whether fresh, frozen, dried, juiced,
or canned.
• Fruits: All fruit whether fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned
(so long as it doesn't contain added sugar).
• Oils: Oils can be used minimally, but not for deep-frying.
• Herbs, spices, and seasonings: Includes salt and pepper.
• Soy products: All soy products including tofu.
• Unleavened bread: Whole grain breads made without yeast,
sugars, or preservatives.
• Water: Distilled,
fi
ltered, sparkling, spring, and mineral waters
allowed.
• Other: tofu, soy products, natural seasonings, salt, herbs
• 100-percent fruit juice: Natural, 100-percent fruit juice is
allowed but should be had sparingly.
• Beverages: Spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
7. Beverages – alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee,
energy drinks, unnatural juices, herbal tea and tea.
Dairy Products – butter, cheese, cream, milk, and yogurt.
Deep-fried Foods – corn chips, French fries, and potato chips.
Leavened Bread & Yeast – baked goods and Ezekiel bread (if it contains yeast and
honey).
Meat & Animal Products – bacon, beef, buffalo, eggs,
fi
sh, lamb, poultry, and pork.
Processed foods – crackers, chips, fries, fast food.
Re
fi
ned & Processed Food Products – arti
fi
cial
fl
avorings, chemicals, food additives,
preservatives, white
fl
our, and white rice.
Sweeteners – agave nectar, arti
fi
cial sweeteners, brown rice syrup, cane juice, honey,
molasses, raw sugar, syrups, and sugar.
Solid fats – lard, margarine, and shortening.
FOODS TO AVOID ON THE DANIEL FAST
8. Resources & Referencias
HOW Church congratulates you on deciding to take on this journey by challenging yourself to seek God
in such an intentional way. May the Holy Spirit be louder than your thoughts, emotions, fears, and
struggles. May you encounter God in such a newly profound way. May you fall in love with His Word
and His Presence. And we pray: may God the Father provides you instruction and clarity on His
direction for your and your family's life for this new year.
As a congregation, we believe the Lord is doing a great work. This work starts with intentional disciples
who are willing to be set apart for the Kingdom of God and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Daniel Fast Recipe:
http://crossroadschristiancenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Daniel_Fast_Recipe.pdf
Daniel Fast: Bene
fi
ts for Your Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health
https://draxe.com/nutrition/daniel-fast/
Additional Daniel Fast Information
http://f3320f3152c29624e089-cdd89fc4e540623f1306c4c821b31ffe.r98.cf2.rackcdn.com/uploaded/d/
0e4771659_1452008839_danielfastbilingual.pdf
Bible Study Tips
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/whats-the-daniel-fast-and-how-do-you-
do-it.html
- Daniel 1, 2.
- Exodus 12