3 John 2 King James Version

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Daniel 10: 2-3. "In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." 

We are asking ALL Pastors, QCA’s, Ministers, Leaders and Members to join us for a powerful time of spiritual renewal through a Daniel Fast, starting January 2, 2025 through January 22, 2025. This period of focused prayer and a plant-based diet, following the example of Prophet Daniel, will allow us to deepen our connection with God and seek His guidance in our families, churches and  lives. Together, let's dedicate ourselves to a time of reflection, fasting, and prayer as we nourish our spirits with prayer and our bodies whole foods.".

The Daniel Fast is more than just a cleanse - it’s a chance to reconnect with God, nourish your body, mind and soul, and set the tone for an amazing year ahead.

What’s a Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is based on a passage in the Bible and is essentially a vegan diet without any sugars, refined carbs, caffeine, or alcohol. It is a method of spiritual fasting based on the prophet Daniel’s experience fasting according to the book of Daniel in the Bible. There are two passages specifically that the Daniel Fast is based on:

1. “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables [pulses] to eat and water to drink.” Daniel 1:12

2. “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10: 2-3

From this experience, Daniel was said to gain knowledge, wisdom, spiritual understanding, favor, and even better, appearance (Daniel 1:15-20) in addition to answered prayer and spiritual insight (Daniel 10: 11-12).

So the idea behind the fast is that you would set aside other foods and focus on eating plant-based meals as an act of worship and sacrifice.

 

The Daniel Fast is a plant-based diet that may have several health benefits, including: 

• Weight loss: People who follow the Daniel Fast often lose weight because they eat fewer calories by filling up on nutrient-dense foods instead of processed products. 

• Improved risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disease: A 2010 study found that following the Daniel Fast for three weeks lowered risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disease in both men and women. 

• Reduced inflammation: A study found that both traditional and modified Daniel Fasts resulted in a reduction in inflammation. 

• Improved mental toughness and sharpness: Some say that the Daniel Fast can improve mental toughness and sharpness. 

• Taste reset: Avoiding processed, rich, or sweet foods can help recalibrate cravings. 

• Gut rest: The Daniel Fast can provide rest for an overworked gut.

 

The following template can help you in your time of personal prayer. They are taken from the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 where Jesus is teaching the people what genuine prayer looks like. 

Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)

9“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

I praise you for Your… - Think of God’s character and praise Him for those attributes: His goodness, unfailing love, mighty power, divine sovereignty, eternal wisdom, etc.

 I thank You for… - Thank God for His blessings and the things He’s done for you.

 Let Your will be done… - Come into agreement with God’s priorities for the world (unity, justice, lost being saved, care for the poor, etc.) and your life personally (surrender, humility, service to others, etc). 

I ask for help with… - Look to God to meet every need (provision, protection, guidance, etc.) 

I ask forgiveness for… - Be honest about your sin with God and ask for His cleansing. I forgive… - Let go of offenses by releasing those who have wronged you

I come against the enemy in the name of Jesus concerning… - Apply God’s authority and power against the enemy. I thank God for hearing and responding according to His sovereign power and authority.

The guidelines for the Daniel Fast include: 

• Foods to eat

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. You can eat fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned fruits and vegetables, but watch out for added sugar and salt. 

• Foods to avoid

Animal products, including meat, dairy, seafood, and eggs. You should also avoid sweeteners, leavened breads, refined and processed foods, deep-fried foods, solid fats, chocolate, and some beverages. 

HOW TO PRAY & FAST MORE EFFECTIVELY 

A. Make a Personal Commitment to Prayer and Fasting. The first step to successful prayer and fasting is to make a COMMITMENT to do it. That commitment is finalized by making a proclamation and your intentions known. If you are not committed to fasting, any excuse will do to avoid it. Read James 1:6-8. 

B. Prepare Yourself for Prayer and Fasting. I Corinthians 9:27 – You have to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually for a fast. Tell your body what to expect. Say this confession: I will bring my spirit, body, emotions and mind under subjection to the Word of God by giving myself to prayer and fasting. 

C. Stop Making Excuses. Read Luke 14:18: “And they all with one consent began to make an excuse.” You may say, “I’m too busy!” “I’m too old!” “I’m too young!” Read the example of an elderly woman in Luke 2:36-38.

What to ask God while you’re praying and fasting. We ask that you search and read the scriptures for each day.

1. “Create in me a clean heart.” 

2. “Notice my gifts.” 

3. “I will humble my soul.” 

4. “Help me know Jesus.” 

5. “I want more of God.” 

6. “Help me master my temptation.” 

7. “God, help me hear you.” 

8. “I will wait on you.” 

9. “Make me a part of your plan.” 

10. “Multiply my effectiveness.” 

11. “Help me come into agreement.” 

12. “Give me wisdom.” 

13. “I want to think like you think.” 

14. “Grant me an understanding heart.”

 15. “Bless me abundantly.” 

16. “Give health to my body and to my mind.” 

17. “Bring me, and those around me the right people, right place and right time. So the right things will happen.” 

18. “Help me prosper so I can bless others.”

 19. “Make your Word alive.” 

20. “Do more than I can ask, think, or imagine.” 

21. “Thank you for breakthrough.”