danielfast
Daniel Fast Overview
The Daniel Fast is typically a 10 or 21-day, biblically based partial fast adapted from the story of Daniel, a prophet who ate only vegetables and fruits and drank only water for 21 days (see Daniel 1:8-14; 10).
At Stonecreek Church we will engage in both a 10 and a 21-day Daniel Fast from August 23 to September 13 as a way to center ourselves around what God is going to do in our lives, our church and community. We are praying that hundreds of people will come to faith in Christ and hundreds more will make pursuing life in Jesus their greatest passion. As a devotional through the duration of the fast we will provide a daily guide through the book of John. This will be a challenging process, but we look forward to seeing what God does in our church and experiencing Him with intensity during the 21 days of the fast.
Daniel Fast Details
What:
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means you will eliminate some common foods from your daily diet. The Daniel Fast focuses on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. You will still have generous options available and we have included here a complete, downloadable food list along with meal plans and recipes.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Fasting should never bring harm to the body. Consult your physician before you begin the Daniel Fast, especially if you are currently taking medication or think you may experience a health risk due to the fast.
When:
Sunday, August 23, Noon: Begin the 21-Day Daniel Fast
Optional: Thursday, September 3, Noon: Begin the 10-Day Daniel Fast
**Official End is Saturday, September 12, 6 p.m. following Communion. This is a change in the schedule.**
Who:
Stonecreek is asking everyone who calls Stonecreek their church home to fast and pray for either 10 or 21 days that we will become a church that intentionally connects with those who don't know Jesus and invite them to come experience what it means to pursue life in Jesus as their greatest passion.
How:
There are many resources for and many ways to do a Daniel Fast. To keep it simple, we have outlined for you the major decisions and compiled links to resources as well as downloadable food lists, meal plans and a daily devotional below. While there is definitely planning and preparation to have a successful fast, you can do it! Here's how:
1. Decide on your level of participation.
There is still time to join us for the 10-day Daniel Fast. The goal here is to challenge yourself and not have the length of the fast become a distraction. You can select your option below.
2. Decide on what you will intentionally pray for during your fast.
There should be three aspects to your fast that you take to God;
1) ME: God, what do you want to do in me?
2) YOU: God, what impact can I have for you with someone in my
sphere of influence?
3) US: God, what can I pray for Stonecreek Church?
Download this daily devotional through the book of John to help you pursue life in Jesus and stay focused on the above three areas during your fast.
3. Decide on and plan your meals for the fast.
What can I eat? This is the big question and here are a few resources that can help.
Food Lists & Recipes Download (PDF)
Daniel Fast Cookbooks Visit Site
Online Recipes Visit Site
Food Nutritional Data Visit Site
Frequently Asked Quesions Visit Page
Keep in mind this is a spiritual fast, not just changing your eating habits. Simplicity and moderation are in order during the Daniel Fast, rather than “chowing down” on foods as long as they’re on the acceptable food list. You may experience some hunger, and that’s okay. You may be a little bored by the meals. Again, that’s okay. Remember, this is a partial fast so there will be some “denying of the flesh” involved.
If you have children, decide on if and how they can participate. Check out our FAQs around children participating in the fast. Above all this is a great time to talk with children of any age about what you are doing and share how fasting helps us talk with and obey God.
Ending Your Daniel Fast
This Saturday night following our communion service we will officially end the Daniel Fast at Stonecreek Church. What an amazing feeling to know so many have attempted this fast. We are expectant for God’s continued guidance and blessing after the fast is over. Until Saturday, keep up the effort and keep in mind the reason for why you are fasting…ME. YOU. US.
Here are a few guidelines with regards to how to end the fast gradually:
- Ease back into your “typical diet.” This is especially true with sugar, fatty foods, meat and dairy products. Small portions are wise and go slow. Many resources recommend only adding back in one or two foods per day, i.e., adding chicken or beef back in to one of your favorite recipes from the fast.
- Add caffeinated beverages slowly. Drink one small cup or glass of soda or caffeinated beverages and see how your body reacts. Don’t be surprised if you get the “jitters.” Consider starting with decaf, then half-caf and finally one fully caffeinated cup after three to five days.
- You may get tired. Don’t be surprised if you feel tired after you start eating the “typical foods.” Your body has been detoxed over the 21-day Daniel Fast and it might take more energy to digest some of the new ingredients.
- Continue to drink lots of water. You should drink at least 1/2 gallon of water a day.
As you end your fast, consider the lessons you’ve learned and the good habits you’ve adopted along the way. You can control your flesh and what goes into your body versus living life the other way around. Don’t leave what you have learned and experienced behind, but let this time fuel the regular parts of your life going forward. This includes your prayer and study time with the Lord as well as improved eating habits. You now know how to fast and what it requires. If you have pressing issues or circumstances facing you, consider a time of consecrated prayer and fasting.
Daniel Fast Communion | Saturday, September 12, 5 p.m.
Join Steven, Stonecreek's staff and all who participated in the Daniel Fast, 5 to 6 p.m., for a time of communion, stories from the fast and prayer for what God has in store at Stonecreek Church.
Use the form below to let us know you are coming. Childcare is available for children 5 and younger.
