THE DANIEL FAST
The Daniel Fast
Background: Daniel and his three friends were held captives in Babylon and instructed to eat the pagan food of the king. Daniel requested that the four of them be allowed to eat only vegetables and water for ten days to see if they be more alert and with wisdom and understanding than those who ate the king’s rich food.
Key Verse: Daniel 1:8 Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank…
Purpose of Fasting:
Isaiah 58:8 …thine health shall spring forth...
To gain a healthier life or for healing
To seek God’s direction, purpose, and vision.
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The Ezra Fast
Background: King Artaxerxes, king of Persia, had given Ezra, the priest, permission to rebuild their city, Jerusalem. Despite having permission from King Artaxerxes, Israel’s enemies opposed them. Ezra had already proclaimed to the king that the God of Israel would protect them so when his enemies came against them, the only thing Ezra could do was proclaim a fast for God’s direction and protection.
Key Verse: Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Purpose of Fasting:
Isaiah 58:6 …to undo the heavy burdens…
A fast for problem-solving and
to lift the load and barrier that keeps us
from walking joyfully with the Lord.
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The Elijah Fast
Background: When Elijah fled to escape from queen Jezebel’s threat to kill him, he deliberately went without food as he sought the LORD to take his life rather than let Jezebel kill him. After he spent the night under the juniper tree, an angel touched him saying, arise and eat. Twice the angel provided a cake and water for Elijah. This food was the sustenance he needed for the journey ahead.
Key Verse: 1 Kings 19:4,8 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness…he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights…
Purpose of Fasting:
Isaiah 58:6 …ye break every yoke. This fast is to break the chains of emotional problems that seek to control our lives and returning control to God.
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***Please, do not attempt any of these if you are not completely healthy and without consent from your physician.