What is a Fast?
A true biblical fast is abstaining from food and water for 24 hours. This is called a “dry fast” and it is the ultimate spiritual fast that The Most High God honors. This kind of traditional fast starts when the sunset goes down (when it’s dark outside) and lasts for 24 hours until the next day at sunset.
The chosen people of God are commanded to fast corporately (together as a nation — no matter where we’re residing in the world) on the Day of Atonement. See our High Holy Days page for more information on the Day of Atonement fast.
Partial Fasts
THE DANIEL FAST
A Daniel Fast is a type of partial food fast based on the experiences of the faithful and dedicated prophet Daniel in the Bible (especially in Daniel 1:8-16 and Daniel 10:2-3).
Unlike the Day of Atonement (which is biblically a mandatory fasting day each year), a Daniel Fast is a totally voluntary fast that you can choose to, or choose not to, do at any time and for any number of days. For example, some believers choose to do a 3-day, 7-day or 10-day fast depending on their preferences.
Though most commonly, during this fast, participants typically avoid meat, rich foods and wine, and consume only simple, plant-based foods and beverages for 21 days.
“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 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.” (Daniel 10:2:3)
“Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.” (Daniel 1:12)
What is pulse to eat? The word “pulse” means vegetables, it’s specifically speaking of Daniel eating only plant-based foods during the fast, such as:
- Vegetables (like sweet potatoes)
- Legumes (like beans and lentils)
- Grains (like brown rice and quinoa)
- Possibly also seeds and fruits
The Hebrew word translated as “pulse” is “zeroa`” (זֵרְעֹנִים), which literally means “things sown” (seeds or things that grow from seed). So it broadly covers plant-based foods.
WHAT WE’RE EATING DURING THIS FAST:
Fasting is a time of sacrifice and dedication to the Most High God. So, it means giving up pleasant foods during the fast. In exchange, you’ll gain spiritual strength, mental clarity, self-control and a closer relationship with God.
And fasting, along with prayer, is the only way to break off generational curses and demonic strongholds. Fasting is something that Christ has commanded us to do too.
Here are some wholesome foods that you can eat during a Daniel fast.
- Vegetables (like sweet potatoes)
- Legumes (like beans and lentils)
- Grains (like brown rice and quinoa)
- Nuts (like hazelnuts and pecans)
- Seeds (like chia and pumpkin)
- Fruits (like papaya and mango)
- Whole Grain Breads (like wheat and rye)
- Natural Oils (like olive oil and coconut oil)
*We’re consciously abstaining from eating meats, sweets and treats. No indulgent foods. No coffee or caffeine. No wine or alcohol. Limit oils and salt. We’re eating mindfully and sparingly throughout the food fast.*
PRAYER DURING THE DANIEL FAST:
What makes a fast different than simply going without food? One of the most important parts of fasting is prayer and you cannot do a proper fast without also including prayer. So, be sure to also commit to times of prayer and devotion to the Most High God during your fast.
“And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Christ took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when He was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And He said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:26-29)
SPIRTUAL BENEFITS OF THE DANIEL FAST:
Straight facts: Fasting makes your skin glow with stunning radiance!
Why do a voluntary food fast? There are so many reasons why every believer should be fasting as a lifestyle. We’ll give you just a few of the benefits of fasting….
- You gain spiritual power and self-control over habits and impulses
- Your spirit becomes more sensitive to both the natural and spiritual realm
- You can hear the voice of God more clearly (even when there are people around)
- You open up for a greater connection and relationship with The Most High God
- You can break off generational curses, karmic soul-ties and demonic strongholds
- Your body gets healthier, your complexion glows and your body feels stronger
- It prepares your body for the mandatory Day of Atonement 1-day dry fast
DATES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FAST:
In 2025, we’re leading a Daniel Fast from August 11th to September 1st (which is for a total of 21 days). Come join us…. you can jump into the fast at any time.
