The "Daniel Fast"

Hi guys,I'd just like to say that I really enjoy hanging around here and reading your thoughts on these various subjects. I have really learned alot, and best of all, I'm really stirred and challenged in my spiritual life by much of what I read. Thanks to all.I do have a question: Has anyone here ever been on a "Daniel Fast"? My pastor has declared a church-wide "Daniel Fast" for a two-week period in the near future, in order for us to seek guidance for our church.For those who don't know, a "Daniel Fast" basically consist of eating only fruits, veggies, and grains and drinking only water, and fruit and veggy juice for a specified period of time.I've never done it before and was just wondering if anyone here had tried it.God bless,Billy Evans

I haven't been on a "Daniel fast" but have been on a liquid fast of sorts on something called the Master Cleanser or Lemonade Diet. It was 20 days in length and I'm getting ready to do it again. That's one that the Lord has led me to.If you haven't fasted much in the past, I would suggest a very good book which is called "Fast Your Way to Health" by Lee Bueno-Aguer. It's written from a Christian worldview and is very solid biblically. A great book that the Lord has opened up to me.Blessings to you. I believe we never really see the role of food until we abstain from it for a season. I know it's been a real eye-opener to me and I pray that the Lord will open your eyes as well as you seek His face.

Its a bear, one of the hardest "fasts" I've ever done had been in the style of Daniel. We hadn't eaten grain, which I would think will make things easier, but the trick is the fat.Since the diet is so low in fat, its hard to feel "full." On a no-food fast, its expected, but not when I can load up my plate with fruits and veggies, take twice as long to finish my food as my comrades, and not think I ate twenty minutes later.It feels healthier, because with the high sugar and starch content of fruits and stuff, my energy level was pretty balanced. But I lost a bit of weight (which isn't considered good for me at my stature.)

Brother Billy:Where do you go to church, if I might ask? My church is also going through the same fast. Thought it sounded pretty neat, and I hope that yours goes well, too.Also, is yours opening up for prayer services during this fast as well? I think the Assemblies of God across the country (or perhaps just in my state/district) are having prayer sessions at church during the week for the next week or so.Blessings,Benjamin

Hello folks: This is very interesting. The church that I attended today is starting a "Danial" fast today. Are these churches that you mentioned involved with the "Purpose Driven" movement? I wonder what this is all about, because in my 15 years as a christian I had not heard of it until today.. What are the roots of this particular fast?? Am I getting a little paranoid in thinking of this verse of scripture??1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. LOL Greg

One thing to remember when coming off the fast it so slowly go back to normal eating habits. Don't go on a fast and then when you come off of the fast eat like you are trying to make up for what you haven't ate! To me, the hardest part of the fast is coming off of it. It's harder to me to limit my food intake than it is to not eat at all. Slowly come back to your normal eating habits, your digestive system will thank you! If you don't you may have some stomach problems.

Can you tell me how a vegetarian or vegan does a Daniel fast, since the foods you have listed are the foods that a vegetarian would eat normally every day!?! (Perhaps you don't have vegetarians or vegans in the States?)!Sue

Don't go on a fast and then when you come off of the fast eat like you are trying to make up for what you haven't ate! Amen, that's one thing that fasting will show you where you turn to food, rather than to turn to Jesus. It's something the Lord is dealing with me on now. Glad to see that I'm not the only one, dealing with the same issue. ;-)

:-) Yeah... I found that out from experience...Also if you go without food for awhile.. hm.. how can I word this... if you don't have any solid food going in.. no solid comes out? :-P I think it will put your body into shock if you go without food and then start eating a lot. That might just be my experience but I just thought I'd share. Just to make it simple.. take it easy when you come back to normal eating. I haven't done much of the "Daniel Fast," so it might be a little different.

One fast comes from Daniel 1.Dan 1:5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile 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 defile himself. Dan 1:12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Dan 1:13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. Dan 1:15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. Interesting how one could gain weight on such a diet. I've known people who used a "Jenny Craig" version of this style outfit to lose weight (which it is very easy to do.) All in all, it was a miracle.The other "Daniel fast" comes from chapter 10:Dan 10:3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. In other words, no meat, poultry, cheesy bisicuits, etc. Much more akin to the fast described at post 1. Methinks I skewed the impressions a bit with my post.Suzy, as far as vegans go... you could not drink alcohol of any sort, which can be vegan friendly. The fast was from a man who ate meat, and as such was kind of designed for him (and not you or me.) And yes, there are vegetarians and vegans in the states (quite a few of them.)

Hi Everyone,Thanks for all the wisdom on fasting. I have fasted in the past, but I always used the "only water, no food" method. This will be my first experience with the "Daniel" method.Brother Benjamin, I attend church at Harvest Fellowship Church in Jasper, FL. I think my pastor got the idea for this fast from watching Paula White. I think it's something that she does at her church every January.