What is a Daniel fast?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A Daniel Fast is a partial fast patterned after Daniel 1:8–16. A typical Daniel Fast involves eating only vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, quality oils, and whole grains. Water is the only beverage. No meat or animal products (including dairy) are allowed, nor are sweeteners, hard fats (such as margarine or shortening), chemicals (including caffeine and those in processed or refined foods), or leavened breads. There are no stipulations as to the quantity of food, only the types of food that may be eaten. The Daniel Fast is usually followed for ten or twenty-one days. While following the Daniel Fast may result in various health benefits, proponents tout its spiritual value. The Bible talks about denying the flesh; removing sweetened and fatty foods that we would normally eat (and may crave) is one way to do so. The intent of the fast is to restrict food for a specific period of time in order to reach a spiritual goal. People who are looking for God's specific direction in an area or simply wanting to draw closer to Him often use a dedicated period of fasting, coupled with prayer, as a tangible demonstration of their heart's desire for God. The Daniel Fast is not a miracle formula or a prescribed formula from the Bible. What is most important, as seen with Daniel, is our reliance on and trust in God.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• A Daniel Fast is a partial fast patterned after Daniel 1:8–16. After conquering Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, brought some Israelites to his palace to instruct them in Chaldean ways for three years, including consuming the king's rich foods. Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Daniel chose not to eat the king's food to avoid defilement according to Mosaic dietary laws. He requested a diet of only vegetables and water, which the king's eunuchs agreed to test on these four Hebrew youths for ten days. At the end of this period, Daniel and his friends were healthier than those who had eaten the king’s food, allowing them to continue their chosen diet. The book of Daniel reveals, however, that it was not the type of food that sustained them but rather their trust in God.
• Daniel 10:2–3 is another source of information for the Daniel Fast protocol: "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."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Mark 7:18–19, Jesus declares that all foods are clean, emphasizing that it's not what enters the body that defiles a person, but what comes out of the heart.
• In 1 Timothy 4:3–5, Paul teaches that all foods created by God are good and can be received with gratitude.
• In Romans 14:14–21, Paul advises believers to be mindful of their dietary choices in relation to others' consciences.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

While the Daniel Fast, or any fast, might be helpful for physical health or spiritual discipline, the most significant aspect is our dependence on God. Fasting serves as a reminder that our true sustenance comes from Him, not just food. As we set aside certain foods and dedicate time to prayer and reflection, we cultivate a deeper reliance on God's presence and guidance in our lives. This practice helps us to recognize our cravings and habits, urging us to shift our focus from earthly desires to our spiritual needs. Ultimately, the heart of fasting lies in fostering an intimate connection with God, affirming that He is our primary source of strength and nourishment.

UNDERSTAND

• The Daniel Fast is a fast based loosely off of the book of Daniel.
• The Daniel Fast involves a plant-based diet, which includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and water, while excluding meat, animal products, and processed foods for a duration of ten to twenty-one days.
• The Daniel Fast focuses on spiritual intent, aiming to deepen one’s relationship with God.

REFLECT

• How can participating in a fast like the Daniel Fast deepen your relationship with God? What specific spiritual goals do you hope to achieve during this time of fasting?
• How might your reliance on food or certain comforts distract you from trusting God fully? How can fasting help you address these distractions?
• What personal cravings or habits have you identified that you might need to surrender to God?

ENGAGE

• There are several online resources and print resources to help those who want to complete a Daniel Fast. Before beginning any type of fast, keep in mind that to truly be a fast—and not a diet—it must have a spiritual intent. Also, be sure to check with a doctor or healthcare provider regarding any specific dietary needs you may have.
• How does the example of Daniel choosing to fast serve as a model for modern Christians facing temptations in a secular culture?
• What is the connection between what we eat and our reliance on God?