Even though this is a time when most of us are preparing for Christmas celebrations, it’s also an opportunity for you to think about your upcoming Daniel Fast. So here are five simple steps that you can right now as you begin to prepare for your Daniel Fast. I call these the Five P’s for a Successful Daniel Fast.
Pray. We always want to include our Lord in everything we do. The Daniel Fast is a spiritual experience. And so you want to make sure that God is at the center of every aspect of your fast. Keep in mind, that the purpose of fasting is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose. Allow the Lord to lead you and direct you in all phases of your fast. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Plan. When will you begin your fast? What will be the purpose of your fast? Can you minimize the activities that you’ll have for your 21 days of consecutive fasting?
Take a few minutes and think about spending time with the Lord. In the same way that you would plan for a business trip or for a vacation, you also want to plan for your Daniel Fast. During your fast, you’ll behave differently than on your typical days. You’re separating yourself for a spiritual experience. Your fast is a sanctified time.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
One of the great benefits about the Daniel Fast is that you can still take care of your work and home responsibilities. However, you do want to set aside ample time for reflection, meditation, prayer, and being quiet with the Lord. So plan your time.
Prepare. There are two mistakes I see so many people make during their Daniel Fast. One of them is that they pay too much attention on what they will eat. The second is that they don’t prepare adequately. So that’s why this is a good time for you to start preparing for your Daniel Fast.
Prepare your heart. Open your heart to the Lord and anticipate and expect that you will have an intimate and growing time with Him. Prepare your soul by looking at your calendar and eliminating as many activities as possible. Think about minimizing or abstaining from television, social media, and other things that are so distracting these days.
You also want to prepare your body for your 21-day Daniel Fast. During your Daniel Fast, you will eat only plant-based foods. The only beverage on your Daniel Fast is water. So one of the main things you want to do beginning about 10 days before you begin your fast, is to Wayne yourself off caffeine, sugar, and processed foods. Make sure you take this step so that you can minimize withdrawals that you could experience.
Gather your study materials, books, courses and other tools that will help you during your Daniel Fast. Prepare your space where you’ll meet with the Lord each day. Plan a routine to help you stay on course.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Keep in mind that during your Daniel Fast you’re focusing on God and your spiritual life. And you’re submitting your flesh to Him. So don’t make food the purpose of your fast. Don’t cater to the flesh. Instead, plan to make simple meals. Don’t spend so much time in the kitchen. Less time in the kitchen means more time with God. With that said, planning ahead for your meals will save you time, money, and a great deal of anxiety.
I encourage the people I guide on their fast to plan their meals weekly and to keep them minimized in complexity. Simple breakfasts, easy soups and entrees, quick side dishes and salads, and a few snacks can all be part of your nutritious and satisfying Daniel Fast meals.
Participate. Your fast is like a personal retreat and a glorious time to grow in your faith. When you enter into the fast, you cross over into a new spiritual dimension. This is when the Holy Spirit joins you, guides you, and directs you. It’s when the realms of heaven are opened to you as you seek the Lord, as you make requests of Him, and as you meditate on God’s Word.
Your time of extended prayer and fasting ushers you into a glorious time as you experience the presense of God. You can step out of the busyness that is ramant in the world, and step into the Lord’s calm and loving peace.
Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Accept His invitation.
Praise God. Your loving Father offers you so much. He longs to bless you. He longs for you to walk in His favor. He longs for you to receive the blessings and the benefits that are already yours.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
As you turn your attention to the Lord and His ways, you open your heart and your life to the many blessings that Jesus gained for you on the cross.
Praise and process. Once you’ve completed your fast, praise God for the amazing things He has done in your life. What did you learn? What practices and routines do you want to carry forward into your typical days? Think about the changes you want to make for your life so that you can be more like Jesus.
Praise God for the answers to prayer that you’ve received. Praise Him for the insights you’ve received. Spend time reflecting on all that you experienced and learned during your 21-day Daniel Fast.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Entering into an extended time of prayer and fasting positions you to receive the many rewards that your Lord wants to shower over you. What an amazing gift it is to be His child and to be a citizen in His kingdom.
Learn more and experience more of God as you enter into the spiritial discipline He designed for His chosen people
What about you? What is the purpose of your fast? Bless others by sharing your comments below.
The Daniel Fast 2019 | Rest in Him
If you’d like to learn more about Rest in Him, the Daniel Fast that I’m leading this year, click on the link below. It’s not too early to start to plan. Act soon and you can receive the early bird, limited-time bonuses that are available now.