March 5th is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a special time when the Church remembers how Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert before He launched His public ministry. Although mostly observed by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, Lent is becoming increasingly popular among evangelicals and other denominations. (SIGN UP HERE to receive your Lent 2014 Prayer Guide).
The purpose of Lent is to reflect on Jesus Christ — his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Typically, people abstain from meat during Lent and may also give up other vices, such as sweets, television, or Facebook. Many believers also participate in a Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a 21-day partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s experiences in the Bible. The purpose of the fast is to restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God (see Food Guidelines). On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting. Daniel 10:2-3 says, “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.” The meaning of “choice food” is not clear; however, most commentaries conclude that he ate no bread or sweets. The Message translation sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.” The idea behind the fast is not to duplicate Daniel’s menu but to imitate his spiritual hunger. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to seek spiritual food rather than physical food, which should be the desire for anyone doing the Daniel Fast.
How will you prepare for Easter Sunday? Consider doing the Daniel Fast as you celebrate what the Lord has done for you!
Is Lent Different From Daniels fast. I’m told lent is too give up something. But Daniels is giving up ways to eat your meals. If I gave up things for Lent why is my food preparation a matter
Lent and the Daniel Fast are not the same. However, many people choose to do the Daniel Fast during Lent.
Thank you for the reply back. I guess I’m doing the Lent which I have given up things ,I feel a closer connection and I have been more active in my word and prayer. I’m feeling blessed and I will keep going although I’m new to Lent. (This is my first year)
I am so excited to start my Daniel Fast tomorrow. I did one last summer when my marriage fell apart and it was an amazing experience! I’m at a crossroads yet again and look forward to His guidance. 40 days is a stretch, but I know I can do this.
Yes, you CAN do it, Hannah. God will give you strength and perseverance. Any time you draw near to Him through prayer and fasting, you receive a supernatural provision from the Lord. May He pour out His power on your life in amazing ways!
He will reward you double for your trouble!
I will start the Daniel Fast on 03/05 and try it during Lent (for 40 days). This will be my first 40-day fast. Initially I wanted to do it for 21 days but feel the need to put in double work…for a double blessing.
That’s great! God will help you persevere, and I believe He WILL bless you in big ways! Thank you for praying. 🙂
also my first 40 day fast….nervous and excited!
Hello Kristen,
I plan to apply the Daniel Fast diet throughout the period of Lent. During this time I will be asking God to reveal the plans He has for my life and for Him to activate His Spiritual Gifts in me. Will you be providing us with any daily devotion materials? 🙂
That’s great. I know God will bless you for seeking Him. Yes, I will provide something for Lent, but it won’t be daily. I’m not sure yet what I’m going to do! Stay tuned… 🙂
Hello Kristen
I’m on my 4th day of the Daniel Fast & God has so blessed me in this journey & my life & walk with Him is being deepened & stronger. I will still be on the fast during Easter, can you please suggest what I should eat that day? God Bless & thank You for your obedience to God.
I’m so glad to hear you’re seeking the Lord through the Daniel Fast. As far as what you should eat, you can have anything that falls within the guidelines. Here are a few ideas:
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Summer Breeze Salad
Black Bean Stir Fry
Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
Sicilian Beans and Rice
Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Sweet Potato Pie