Here’s the deal . . .
When people of faith use the word “fast,” they are referring to a spiritual experience during which food is restricted for a temporary period of time for a spiritual purpose.
When people not of faith hear the word “fast,” they usually equate it as a diet to have an effect on the physical body.
I want to be very clear. The Daniel Fast is NOT a diet. Like other methods of fasting, the 21-day Daniel Fast is a spiritual discipline. And the purpose of the fast is to consecrate (separate) oneself from typical daily life and focus more time, attention and thought on God, His Word, and His ways.
There are many religious experiences that include fasting. Yom Kippur is a fast. Lent is a fast. Ramadan is a fast. Likewise, these fasts are spiritual experiences during which food is restricted for a temporary period of time for a spiritual purpose. Most people understand the definition of “fast” in these incidents, and don’t equate them to health or diets.
The reason I’m bringing all this up is due to the recent flurry in the press about Chris Pratt, the popular film star, who started the New Year with the Daniel Fast.
Copyrighted photo. Used by permission. Shutterstock.com
I first heard about Chris Pratt beginning the New Year with the Daniel Fast when my son sent me a text message on January 10th. He included a link to a People Magazine’s online feed. They were one of the first in the media to start reporting about the actor and his fewer than 30-second Instagram post sharing with his fan followers that he was on the third day of the Daniel Fast.
Soon after, dozens of media outlets were on the story. And they all equated the Daniel Fast as a diet. Some included criticism about the “diet” and it not being healthy. Here are just a few:
Some gave a more balanced approach, but still considering the Daniel Fast as a “diet.”
The point is they were all missing the real point. Chris Pratt is using the Daniel Fast, a method of fasting, to begin his New Year with a focus on God and to spend more time in prayer, spiritual study, and growing in his faith.
Does the Daniel Fast have health benefits? Yes! Is it a safe way to eat for 21 consecutive days? Yes! If you have health conditions that need special attention, should you first consult your health professionals about eating restrictions of any kind? Yes!
One of the best articles I’ve read about Chris Pratt and the Daniel Fast is on Premier Christianity. Author Emily Howarth gets the definition of “fast” in the Daniel Fast.
I think some folks get confused by some of the other sites out there that refer to Daniel and the Daniel Fast. Rick Warren’s most recent book titled The Daniel Plan is not about fasting. It’s instead about healthy eating and lightly refers to Daniel and his companions being healthier than the other young men in the king’s court.
Dr. Josh Axe promotes the Daniel Fast, referring to the spiritual benefits. However, his primary emphasis and work are health-related.
I’m really thankful to the reporters who did contact me to get the facts about the Daniel Fast. And I was able to clear up a lot of the misconceptions. Great professionals and I give them kudos for taking the time to check out the details and get their questions answered.
The good news is that a lot of people are hearing about the Daniel Fast. My hope is that they will discover what the Daniel Fast really is. It’s not a diet. Instead, it’s a powerful method of spiritual fasting and most of those who use the fast experience profound changes in their lives including deepening their faith, growing in their understanding of Christ and their life with Him, along with insights and answered prayer.
We always value your thoughts and insights. Please leave your comments below . . . and be blessed on your fast.
This is my 3rd year of the Daniel Fast. I have a note book that I journal in and each year before I start I read back and see how the Lord has answered above and beyond what I could have asked or thought. 2019 was a crazy year of huge ups and incredible downs that were put in my path. I can truly say that starting out the new year seeking God’s grace, plans and paths helped get through all of this.
Dearest Connie,
Our Lord is so very good. And He so wants to minister to us. Jesus teaches us that in this world there will be troubles, but that we are to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. Praise God that we walk through the hard times knowing our Lord is always with us and see us through.
Connie, I’ve also had some very hard experiences in my life. Some that I never want to experience again, nor would I ever want anyone to go through them. However, I know for sure God was with me all the time. Even when I couldn’t sense His presence. He was there. The lessons I learned through those times were invaluable. Priceless. Life-changing. And so I am thankful for His guidance. His love. And that He is always with us.
Be blessed and thank you for your lovely message. Draw near to God and He promises to draw near to you.
What do you recommend for seniors??
The same as for everyone else. I’m a “senior” and so are many that follow the fast. Healthy eating is always right. The great thing is that as a senior you are wiser. You won’t make this about the food. Instead, you’ll draw nearer to God and experience an amazing spiritual time with Him.
Be blessed on your fast.
I heard of the Daniel fast a couple of years ago and wanted to try it, but was scared I would be too hungry to actually be able to go through with it. But now that i look back, I know I was not ready for the fast as my life was not actually where it should be to fast. My life…my heart is ready now to be closer to God than it ever has, I AM SO EXCITED to begin this fast. I am not even concerned with the food as I am concerned to go to the Father with my love and request to be stronger within him, bring others to Christ, and bringing the requests of my family/friends who are hurting in one way or another to our Heavenly Father. My desire is to be more intimate with God to take God’s word to the world however way he chooses. I am excited to join other believers and fast along side them in agreement.
God is so good. He’s drawn you toward Him now. Plus, He’s inviting you to draw even nearer to Him through the fast. Believe in His immeasurable love for you, Lisa. And open your heart for all He wants to show you during your 21 days of consecrating your whole self to Him.
Be blessed on your fast.
Hello! This is my first try on the DF. Although I started this journey with weight loss in mind, it has become much more than that. Looking back I noticed that my aversion to meat and cutting back on caffeine was Gods way of leading me to this fast and preparing me. Thankfully I have had no withdrawal symptoms (caffeine and sugar) that I was expecting. Was wondering if I can drink hot cinnamon water though. Just pure cinnamon in hot water. I know lemon water is ok, but wasn’t sure if cinnamon was.
Thank you and God Bless!
Hi Suz,
I’m so happy for you and your fast. God is so very good.
The “fine line” with the water is if when you add the cinnamon you can still actually consider it water. When I have issues like this, I make the decision along with the Holy Spirit. He always keeps me on the right course.
Be blessed
Hi Susan,
On Monday February 4th my husband and I will begin the Daniel Fast … I already got your 3 books from amazon, which I’m reading. I know it’s not so much about the food, but I want to plan out like you said to do for the week. I have celiac disease I cannot eat any grains. With that in mind I’m also allergic to beans is there anything I may substitute. Rice, quinoa and buckwheat I react to. Thank you for this fast I’m looking forward to growing more and being more disciplined in my walk with him. Many buttons you your staff and families, Clare
Hi Clare,
You may, due to the health issues, need to modify the fast to meet your specific needs. Since you’re not able to have the grains and legumes, substitute small portions of chicken or fish. Keep your meals simple. Keep your mind in the attitude of fasting and do your best.
Be blessed and continue to seek God, including Him as your Healer.
I have been doing the DF every year for the past 7 years. And it never fails, when I am ‘found out’, I do my best to explain the DF but somehow 99% of folks do not get it. Even Christians! One of my Christian brothers is doing the DF for the first time and he is posting pictures of the food he is eating on the fast. I reminded him that it is Not about the food.
You are so right, Doug. The challenge is that there are so many sites and videos that point people to the food! It’s another example of catering to the flesh, rather than the true purpose of fasting, which is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose.
Thank you for helping to keep the message clear. The Daniel Fast is NOT about the food. It’s NOT a diet. Instead, it’s a powerful method of fasting that God has anointed. Praise God that many people do “get it.” And they are blessed as they draw nearer to God and experience His many revelations and insights.
Be blessed, friend.
Are we supposed to keep our fast private?
Hi Denise,
It’s all about what’s in your heart. Notice what Jesus was responding to in this situation: “When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” Matthew 6:16
And then our Lord goes on to instruct us how to be instead: “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
It’s alright to talk about your fast to share information but check your motive. Why do you want to tell? If your heart is pure, then you’re fine.
Check out this video for more information:
What’s Your Motive?
Be blessed on your fast.
I find that I actually eat a lot healthier than usual. The eating habits get easier the more you do the fast and I don’t miss the junk food. Thanks to Susan for providing recipes to make it even easier
Hi Desiree,
Your body is very happy! And it rewards with more energy, better digestion, and improved health!
Be blessed on your fast.
This is my 5th year of the Daniel Fast. It got me through my husband’s illness (ALS) and his death and now it helps me to refocus and make the most of each day. Learning a lot about being grateful and my new normal.
Thank you for your message, Pam.
God is your Comforter. And I’m happy for you as you enter into this new time in your life.
God is so very good. He is with you and I see you are leaning into Him as you walk into the future that is bright for you.
Be blessed, dear one. And thanks again for your message.
In addition to learning spiritual aspects, you do often learn about your body as well and the affects caffeine and preservatives have on your body.
Right on, Michael.
The Daniel Fast can be a huge eye-opener for folks who don’t normally eat in such a healthy manner.
Thanks for your post!
Thank you, Michael, for your post. I was wanting to express this because while on the Daniel Fast, God revealed some important changes I needed to make in my diet for health reasons. During this fast my Psoriasis mostly all cleared up. I had better clarity, more energy and better sleep. Since the fast I have introduced certain foods at a time back into my diet to see which were affecting me. In no time I have learned the nutritional needs for optimal health to maintain Gods temple within in me.