January 2-22, 2012
As we prepare to "Discover New Possibilities" in the New Year, our church is being called to a special season of fasting and prayer from January 2-22, 2012. Since ancient times, fasting (abstaining from all foods, certain kinds of food, and various liquids) has been a spiritual discipline that believers have practiced for strengthening their relationship with God, direction in decision making, power to break certain habits or to resist the attack of the enemy, healing for the body and mind, adoption of healthier lifestyles, and as a support and aid in prayer when certain request are being laid before the Lord.
Prayer and fasting go together as a hand inside of a glove. Abstinence from food can be viewed as a diet. What gives a fast its distinctiveness is its spiritual focus, which deepens one’s relationship with God. Even if one is seeking something in particular from the Lord, one should still become closer to the Lord during a fast. Thus, a spiritual fast is always accompanied by increased prayer, meditation, reading/studying the word of God, and worship.
The scriptural basis for this fast is Daniel 1: 1-17. At the end of his fast Daniel and his friends were found to be healthier physically, mentally, and spiritually than any of their other contemporaries who had made no sacrifice for their faith. At the end of their training period Daniel and his friends received such favor and showed such wisdom that they were given promotions in the kingdom.
The prayer and fasting focus for this ten day period is:
- Seeking God’s direction for new possibilities for the church
- Seeking God’s direction for new possibilities regarding whatever ministry or ministries we may be involved with
- Seeking God’s direction for new possibilities regarding our
families and loved ones
- Seeking God’s direction for new possibilities for our own lives
Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast
All fruits.These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
.All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, 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 are not allergic to soy.
All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter without sugar.
All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, green beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water and pure juices.
Other: tofu, soy products, honey, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast:
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, fish, and poultry.
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, french fries, corn chips, etc.
Beverages: Coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, energy drinks or any other caffeine drinks
Word of Caution:
Persons who have certain dietary restrictions are encouraged to consult their physician before beginning the Daniel or any other food fast. In the event that a competent and certified physician advises against your participation in the Daniel Fast you are asked to seek God’s direction regarding the sacrifice that is appropriate for you so that you can reach a new dimension of spiritual breakthrough and so that you can be in agreement with your brothers and sisters in Christ who are participating in the Daniel Fast.
Web Resources:
About the Daniel Fast