Awakening

FAQ

What is Fasting?

Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.

Why Fast?

According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and fast. Fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength – strength which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6.

When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire year.

Why should I fast?

1. Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
2. Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
3. Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
4. Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
5. Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
6. Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
7. Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
8. Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
9. Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?

How Can I Do A Daniel Fast?

Step 1: Be Specific

Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

1. The king’s food was against dietary laws.
2. Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
3. The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.

Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment

The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline

Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:

1. Your food choices.
2. The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
3. Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
4. Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin’s Role in Poor Health Notice James 5:13-16

• Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
• Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
• Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
• Repentance is linked to health according to James.
• Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
• Sick people must desire to be well
• The anointing oil could mean
  1. Medicine for healing,
  2. Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
  3. It could be baptism
• Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
• In Greek there are several words for “sick”. James uses “Kanino”, which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
• Attitude is important. James said, “are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others

Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.

Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat

Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.

Step 7: Yield All Results to God

Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).

What About My Health?

If you are in poor health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, please consult a physician before beginning your first fast. There are different types of fasts recommended on these pages. Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate on this 21 day fast in a way that is healthy for you.

What about prepared foods?

Read the labels of all prepared foods.  Remember the Daniel Fast is sugar-free and chemical-free.  So, if you
use any canned fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, or prepared sauces you must read the label to be aware
about just what is in there.

What about pasta?

Make sure the label says whole grain pasta with no additives (watch for sugar).  Whole grain pasta offers 7
grams of protein per serving (3/4 cup of dried pasta).

What about salad dressing?

Olive oil and lemon or lime are an option.
I know it says raw, unsalted nuts, but what about roasted nuts?
The goal would be to stick to raw, unsalted nuts. But these are harder to find so in a pinch just make sure
you get plain roasted, unsalted nuts with no preservatives.

How do I get enough protein in my diet while on the fast?

The following are protein-rich foods that are allowed on the Daniel Fast… almonds, sunflower seeds, lentils,
quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains, and tofu.

What kind of peanut butter is allowed?

A natural peanut butter with no additives…watch for sugars including molasses.  Smucker’s creamy natural
peanut butter has nothing but peanuts in it.

What about popcorn?

Corn is listed in the vegetables to eat list. You can use a pot on the stove…here is a recipe.
1) Put two tbsp. of olive oil in the bottom of a large pot.
2) Add enough popcorn to cover the bottom of the pan.
3) Turn heat to medium high. Look for the first popcorn kernel to pop.
4) Put the lid on the pot. Using potholders shake the pot over the burner.
5) Continue shaking until you no longer hear kernels popping. Remove from heat.

How can I identify whole grain foods?

Typically if the ingredient lists “whole wheat”, “rolled oats”, or “whole corn” as the first ingredient, the
product is a whole grain food item. Another way to identify whole grains in the foods you eat is to look in
the nutritional facts information and check if the food item contains dietary fiber. If it contains a significant
amount, it most likely contains whole grains. “Wheat flour” is not a whole grain and therefore does not
indicate a whole grain product.

Do I need to eat organic foods while on the fast?

No, but it is suggested because organic foods are produced without the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or
animal origin and without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or
pesticides.

Where can I go out to eat?

Well, we think you can go anywhere and order cautiously, asking lots of questions to the wait staff, knowing
ahead of time that you may be ordering a salad with olive oil and a baked potato with no extras.

What about bread?

We are recommending the Ezekiel bread found in the freezer section of your grocery/health food store.

How much can I eat?

As long as they are the appropriate foods, we are recommending eating until satisfied with no limits.