We as a Movement family are calling a 21-day fast to start out the new year. Starting January 7 through January 27, we invite you to give up certain foods, or other comforts as God leads you, in order to seek Him more fully and prepare our hearts and our church for the coming year. We believe God has big things in store for us in 2015 and we want to be ready.
In fasting we are not trying to get something from God, but seeking to realign our hearts’ affections with His. In fasting we can more readily say, “We love you, Lord, more than anything in the world.” It takes us deeper – in our understanding of who God is, in our desire to know Him, in our love for Jesus and others, in our ability to hear His voice and follow His commands. That is The Movement’s goal for 2015 – to go deeper – and we would love for you to join us in that pursuit.
What is a Daniel Fast?
+ The Daniel Fast is taken from the book of Daniel when he decided to set himself apart by not eating the rich foods of the king and instead eat only vegetables, fruits, and water for 21 days.
+ It is not a diet. Although there are great health benefits, we don’t fast to lose weight, but to submit our bodies to the Spirit.
+ Fasting is always voluntary. If you don’t think you can follow the specifics of the Daniel Fast, then decide what you CAN fast for these 21 days.
Keys to Fasting
+ Take time to pray & read the Bible
+ Have a clear target as your prayer focus. Write down your vision.
+ Expect to hear God’s voice.
+ Prepare for opposition & press on.
+ If you fail, don’t give in to condemnation. Just start again.
+ Breakthroughs often come after a fast, not during it. Do not listen to the lie that nothing is happening.
FOODS TO INCLUDE FOR 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, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
+ All nuts and seeds: Including, but not limited to, sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
+ All legumes: These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto 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: 100% juices, spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
+ Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
FOODS TO AVOID DURING THE DANIEL FAST
+ All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
+ All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
+ All sweeteners and artificial sweeteners, including but not limited to, sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice, Equal, Sweet and Low, and Splenda.
+ All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) 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.
+ All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
+ Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION + OTHER QUESTIONS
+ If you have any health issues or dietary restrictions, please consult your doctor before fasting.
+ Addiction to caffeine or sugar is not a dietary restriction, and should not prevent you from fasting. This is the point!
+ Pregnant women should not fast from food, but maintain a balanced diet.
+ Children and Minors should not fast, except under supervision from their parents/guardians.
+ If you are unable to do the full Daniel Fast, consider fasting specific foods, or giving up something else, like television, movies, or internet, etc. Make it personal.
HELPFUL WEBSITES + LINKS ABOUT FASTING
+ All About the Daniel Fast: www.daniel-fast.com
+ More Daniel Fast Recipes: www.ultimatedanielfast.com
+ About Fasting in General: www.ihopkc.org/about/fasting-guidelines-and-information
+ Pinterest also has many recipes, just search “Daniel Fast”: www.pinterest.com