Fasting and Prayer: Your goal in fasting is to become closer to God by voluntarily denying the demands of your flesh. Increase your prayer life during this time. Study the Scriptures with a new intensity. When the fast is over, you should have a new spiritual strength from overcoming the cravings that usually control your life and from dedicating yourself to God.

Biblical Model: Do a personal study of fasting. In the book of Daniel, chapters 2 and 10, Daniel describes two examples of his personal fasting and the dramatic results. Isaiah described God's chosen fast in Isaiah 58.

Jesus fasted in the wilderness (Matthew 4, etc.) and spoke of the necessity of fasting for believers. It was a normal part of early church life. Fasting is one way we respond to the admonition throughout the Scriptures to die to our self-will and not to accommodate the desires of the flesh.

Following your own conscience: The precise details of your fast are between you and God. In Romans 14, the apostle Paul describes how we should relate in love to one another in the matter of what we eat or choose not to eat.

He says, "Each person is free to follow the convictions of his own conscience" (Romans 14, The Message). If you fast often, you may need to turn up your fasting another level during this time.  It is important to remember that the intent of any fast is to deny yourself something that you would normally do in order to focus more specifically on the Lord and prayer.  In considering a dietary fast such as the “Daniel” fast, it is best for each believer to prayerfully determine what things they will eat or not eat.  The Bible does not give us detail, but rather says Daniel refrained from the King’s rich food, and ate vegetables and water.

The following are a few prayer suggestions for your strong consideration during a fast.  If you choose to take part in the Daniel fast and have medical issues of any kind including pregnancy, diabetes, mental illness, heart disease, or any other medical condition not listed above, it is absolutely imperative that you check with your doctor(s) and pharmacist first before attempting to begin the Daniel fast.  It is reasonable and an excercise of good wisdon, and common sense to check with your physician (doctor) and pharmacist before beginning the Daniel Fast of vegetables and water and/or any fast,  even if you are not currently under medical care for any reason, not limited to the reasons listed above.

SAMPLE PRAYER AND ACTION GUIDE FOR A PERIOD OF FASTING AND PRAYER

• PRAY FOR MINISTRY -  Each Monday
• PRAY FOR COMMUNITY - Each Tuesday
• PRAY FOR PERSONAL BREAKTHROUGHS - Each Wednesday
• PRAY FOR MISSION - Each Thursday
• PRAY FOR OUR NATION - Each Friday
• PRAY FOR ECONOMIC PROVISION - Each Saturday
• PRAY FOR POWER - Sundays and SHOW UP AT THE PRAISE ZONE AT 11am

FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FAST (Foods You Can Eat)

Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley

Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas

• Fruits:

Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon

• Vegetables:

Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you not allergic to soy.

• Liquids:

Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices. You may also drink protein drinks.

• Others:

Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts

Eating Nuts and/or Peanuts for Protein is important (if you are allergic to nuts, use another source of protein.

FOODS TO AVOID:

• Meat  (pork, beef, fish, chicken)
• White Rice
• ALL Fried Foods
• Caffeine
• Salt
• Carbonated Beverages
• Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
• Refined Sugar and Sugar Substitutes
• White Flour and All Products Using It