Daniel Fast. Overview

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1 Daniel Fast Overview Fasting? Are you serious? What in the world is a Daniel Fast? You can t mean me. Surely fasting is not for me. Fasting is only for people who are really strong in their faith - and I am no Spiritual Giant. Look at me - do you see how much I love food... there s no way I can fast! There are some of my guesses. If I was asked to guess some of your thoughts about this time of fasting we as a Church body are embarking on - I d guess some of your thoughts were along those lines. Those are my guesses because all of those thoughts have crossed my mind at some point in time. You are not alone. And let me encourage you - with God all things are possible...even giving up our precious food and Sodas! (I m preaching to myself!) The Daniel Fast is a spiritual discipline to help us connect with God. During these next 21 days we as a Church leadership and Church body are committing to a time of prayer and fasting. We make no false pretenses - this will be a difficult process. The fast will be challenging, but we look forward in faith to what God will do in our lives and in the life of our Church. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that we will eliminate a few common dietary staples ; however there are plenty other options available. Our focus will be on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. We have included lists of food that are acceptable.

2 *Note: If you have any known medical conditions, or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning the fast* the The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat! So health professionals will support this eating plan, but might suggest a few modifications if you have health issues that need special attention. For example, pregnant and nursing mothers might get instructions to add fish, chicken and cheese into the Daniel Fast, but otherwise stay the course. Diabetics may need to add more carbohydrates or include chicken and fish. Also, those who are especially active either through sports, bodybuilding or vocation may need to slightly alter the eating plan. I encourage you to check with your doctor. If medical conditions or others issues prevent you from committing to the strict diet of the Daniel Fast for the full 21 days; we urge you to fast in some way shape or form for this time. Give up something that satisfies the physical body to meet a greater need of spiritual body. We strongly urge all those who are able to follow the example of the leadership and commit to the complete Daniel Fast; however if you are not physically able there are alternatives. Decide what it is that you are going to fast from; and commit it whole-heartedly to God. Make it a sacrifice, make it tough, make it hard. This is our challenge to you during this time: decide to not gratify a desire of the physical nature for the greater good and eternal glory of the spiritual nature. Remember,...Everything is possible for him who believes. Mark 9:23 Time of Prayer We pray these next 21 days drastically increases your prayer life. This time is designed for you to draw closer to Him and into a deeper relationship with him. Increase your normal prayer time by substantial amounts these next three weeks. We as a Church are designating 6:30am on our prayer line as Corporate Time of Prayer. We encourage you to pray throughout the day; however at 6:30am we all join together and bombard heaven s gates as one body. Some Helpful Tips Pasta Make sure the label says whole grain pasta. Watch for added sugar and added dairy products. Breads We are asking that you stay away from all leavened breads during this fast. Even whole wheat breads usually contain dairy products or some sugars. We are recommending

3 Ezekiel bread which can be found in the freezer section of your grocery or health food store. Nuts Nuts are allowed and even encouraged on the fast; however watch the labels to see how they are prepared and roasted. Raw, unsalted nuts are the best; however they can be difficult to find. You will probably need to shop in the organic section or at a health food store. Just make sure they are not honey-roasted or any other sweet nut that would contain sugar. Protein The following are protein-rich foods that we encourage: almonds, sunflower seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains and tofu. Beverages We are saying no caffeine and no carbonated beverages. Drink plenty of water and help yourself to fruit and vegetable juices. Read your labels and make sure there is no added sugar. Peanut Butter & Other Nut Butters Make sure that they are All Natural with no additives or added sugars or sweeteners. Watch for high fructose corn syrup and Molasses which are added sweeteners. Read the label. It should only contain nuts and salt (or no salt, depending on the type you choose). Usually, these need to be stirred once opened and then stored in the refrigerator. Eating Out If you find yourself eating out during this fast, just keep in mind you re most likely going to need to alter your usual a bit. Order cautiously, ask lots of questions of the wait staff and know that you re probably going to be ordering a salad with a plain baked potato. Even steamed vegetables often have melted butter on them. Just be informed - and maybe it can be a witnessing tool and an opportunity for you to share your testimony. Portion Control As long as you are eating the appropriate foods there are no limits as to how much you can eat. Eat until you are satisfied and have plenty of options for snacks. All Vegetables fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (with no additives)

4 Artichokes Asparagus Beets Broccoli Brussel Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Chili Peppers Collard Greens Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Garlic Ginger Root Kale Leeks Lettuce Mushrooms Mustard Greens Okra Parsley Peppers Potatoes Radishes Scallions Spinach Sprouts Sweet Potato Tomatoes Watercress Yams Zucchini *and any vegetable not listed All Fruits fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (with no added sugar) Apples Apricots Avocados Bananas Berries Blackberries Blueberries Cantaloupe Cherries Coconuts Cranberries Dates Figs Grapefruit Grapes Guava Honeydew Kiwi Lemons Limes Mangoes Melons Nectarines Olives Oranges Papayas Peaches Pears Pineapples Plums Prunes Raisins Raspberries Strawberries Tangerines Watermelon *and any fruit not listed Whole Grains Whole Wheat Brown Rice Millet Quinoa Oats Rolled Oats Plain Oatmeal - not instant Barley Grits Whole Wheat Pasta Tofu Soy products Herbs Honey Sea Salt Ezekiel Bread Ezekiel Tortillas Olive Oil Coconut Oil Spices Salt Pepper All natural peanut butter Nuts of all kinds

5 Other Dried Beans Black Beans Cannelini Pinto Beans Split Peas Black Eyed Peas Green Beans Green Peas Kidney Beans Peanuts Beans Lupines White Peas Legumes Almonds Sunflower Seeds Lentils Quinoa Brown Rice Split Peas Whole Grains Tofu Soy nuts Peanuts Protein Liquids Water Unsweetened Soy Milk Herbal Tea (caffeine free) 100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice (no added sugar)