Fasting like Daniel – What is the Daniel Fast?

What is the Daniel Fast?
“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.” Daniel 1:12 & “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came to my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2-3 (NKJV)
The two portions of scripture above provide the basis for what we call the Daniel Fast. In his youth, Daniel was one of thousands taken captive when Judah was conquered by the Babylonians. By God’s favour, Daniel and his friends were recognised as bright and clever young men and groomed to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar’s court. Daniel refused to defile himself with the food served from the royal table and determined to stay true to God, Daniel asked his advisor to test him and his friends with a different menu containing vegetables. In some translations, the word “pulse” is used instead of “vegetables” and is typically understood to include anything grown from a seed. The exemption was successful, and they were allowed to continue the diet that honored their beliefs.
In a nutshell, it is a plant-based diet also excluding processed foods, added sugars and leavened reads. By giving up some food we typically enjoy, we demonstrate our commitment to pursue a more intimate relationship with God.

If you have any medical conditions, allergies or are taking chronic medication – please consult your health practitioner first before starting any type of fasting and ask them for guidelines what you can do to fast. We have specifically chosen the Daniel fast to help you ease into a habit of fasting and prayer. We do not have the specifics of Daniel’s prayers, but we will guide you with scripture and prayer points. I would like to encourage you to keep a diary or journal of your fast journey in which you can write the scriptures, your prayers, blessings and breakthroughs.
Join us tomorrow to fast 21 days with us! We will start to fast dinner and will give you an indication for the next day to prepare.
Prayer: Father, may my heart be like that of Daniel to stay true to Your Word and Your commandments. During this fast, I choose to not defile myself with worldly things to draw closer to you. Amen.
Written by Pastor Iriza for

We would love to pray with you prayer@womenoftheword.co.za
You've got mail!
Receive our daily devotionals straight to your mail
Connect with us