Daniel Fast

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The Daniel Fast is a fasting practice of some modern Christians, modeled on the Book of Daniel in the late sixth century B.C. In the 12 chapters of this book, Daniel recounts three times of fasting, although he certainly fasted many more times since he was a devout Jew.

Chapter 1 records Daniel turning down the diet offered to him because the meat and wine had been sacrificed to Babylonian gods. In consuming these foods, Daniel would have defiled his body, which he had consecrated (set aside) for the Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore, Daniel requested that he and his companions eat only vegetables and water. This resulted in Daniel and the others to prosper physically and spiritually above all others in the king’s quarters.

Chapter 9 records another time Daniel fasted, this time most likely a “normal fast,” which is no food and only water. Israel had been in bondage to the Babylonians for 70 years by this time and their exile had been prophesied by Jeremiah. Yet, rather than Daniel sitting idle and waiting for the final breakthrough and the changed governments, he prayed and fasted. This resulted in an appearance from the angel Gabriel who told Daniel of what would happen in the future.

Chapter 10 includes the third account of Daniel’s fasting practices. Daniel was very concerned about a dream he had received and deeply mourned regarding it. This called him to fast by eating no delicacies, eating no meat, and drinking no wine for three weeks. The result of this fast was Daniel receiving another visitation by an angel and prophesies concerning Persia and Greece, all of which took place.

It is this third recount that serves as the primary model for the Daniel Fast. While many enter into the Daniel Fast throughout the year, the most popular time is in January at which time tens of thousands of Christian men and women consecrate themselves, just like Daniel did, for three weeks. During these three weeks they adhere to a simple diet of fruits, vegetables, and water. They also concentrate on prayer and drawing into a closer relationship with Christ.