10In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The word was true, and it concerned a great conflict. He understood the word, having received understanding in the vision.
2 At that time I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks. 3I had eaten no rich food, no meat or wine had entered my mouth, and I had not anointed myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris), 5I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6His body was like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude. 7I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the people who were with me did not see the vision, though a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled and hid themselves. 8So I was left alone to see this great vision. My strength left me, and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength. 9Then I heard the sound of his words; and when I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a trance, face to the ground. |
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, who is the Christ! This page is designed as an encouragement and resource for those considering doing a Daniel Fast. As the scriptures that define what a Daniel Fast is are a little vague, this is very much a 'way we do it and interpret it' sort of thing, and therefore nor definitive. It is hoped that it enables believers seeking truth and wisdom for direction from God gain the best ability to seek the same possible, enhanced by the act of devotion that is fasting. All glory to God!
So, What Is A Daniel Fast?
Here at Carpe Crucis, we interpret a Daniel fast as described briefly in The Book of Daniel, chapter 10, from the Bible. Here Daniel, the prophet of God, is given a vision and the understanding of a vision about an impending conflict, but he is not given the 'nuts and bolts' direction with what to do with all of that information. At times, in our Christian walk we may feel like this. We are in the right place and prepared to do the right thing, yet the practicalities of 'What to do?' and 'How to do it?' still seem elusive. It is exactly for this sort of clarity seeking that the Church of Carpe Crucis recommends a Daniel Fast. This can be both for personal application, and for the body of the church as a whole.
So, How do I Daniel Fast?
From the text above, we see in verse 3 that Daniel 'I had eaten no rich food, no meat or wine had entered my mouth, and I had not anointed myself at all, for the full three weeks.' This is interpreted here as eating no processed foods, no meat, no alcohol, no eggs and no dairy. It can be surprising to find that even foods we thought as 'wholesome', such as a bag of pistachio nuts, may also contain an anti caking agent. The guideline is 'read the labels'. Things like white flour, rice and sugar are replaced for their 'more organic' brown counterparts (though no sugar at all is a guide!) and pressed oils, such as sunflower or olive oil, are recommended over degraded or hydrolised oils like corn oil and vegetable oil. Leaven, such as yeast or baking powder, are also considered modifiers. Also, no frying (this modifies base ingredients into caramels). Whilst their are non dairy alternatives to milk, such as almond milk, they are generally recommended to be avoided as the idea of fasting tends towards denial rather than replacement. However, this is a matter for personal choice. Whilst coffee and most teas are out, base green tea, literally just collected leaves, may be allowed.
So, what can I have?
The good news is that there are still plenty of rich, nutritious and satisfying foods to eat. Think of nuts, pulses, fruits (of course, read the labels on dried varieties!) vegetables and beans. We recommend starting a social media group where you can share recipes and encouragement, a daily devotion is also posted below. Soups, stews, flatbreads (such as chapati) nut loaves and risottos. For the sweet tooth there can be flapjacks made with honey and some baklava type sweet things, but do try to stick to the raisins and dried apricots and dates for the sweet kicks. In terms of drinks its mainly water, with some fresh juices and smoothies, and as mentioned earlier, a cup of refreshing green tea. The focus is really purity, in our opinion.
Any tips?
Again, it is good to share tips on the social media group, though as a rule of thumb we say the best tip is 'to not get hungry.' Eat a little and often, have the dried fruits and nuts on hand all the time and take a small spoonful every half hour or so between times. This practitioner also recommends making big pans of certain foods for during the week, so that there is not so much need to spend long times preparing foods each night. Chapati dough will also last a couple of days in the fridge if portioned into balls. Things like baked beans, soups, stews and rice dishes can be made in large quantities and keep well without the usual meat additions.
- Eat a little and often
- Prepare foods ahead
- Get rid of all temptations as much as possible. Eat them / give them away or even throw them away.
- Don't overface yourself the day before the fast begins.
- Don't overface yourself the day the fast ends!
- Be of good cheer and don't grumble! Your doing this for the glory and service of the Lord! :-)
And Finally...
Be strong and trust in the Lord. He will be with you in Spirit. You will find many fringe benefits also, and may you be blessed richly in the fulfilment and dedication in your undertaing. Our God is a wonderful and Living God, able to operate in every part of our lives. We will continue to pray for you and do get in touch through the contact page if you feel you would like further support. All glory to God!
"10 But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees. 11He said to me, ‘Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.’ So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12He said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia,* 14and have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days.’"
"10 But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees. 11He said to me, ‘Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.’ So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12He said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia,* 14and have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days.’"
|
|
|
|
|
|