The observance of Lent has been practiced for centuries. But what is Lent, and why is it important?
Lent is the season of preparation in the weeks leading up to Easter. The purpose of this special time is reflect on Jesus Christ — his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Although mostly observed by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, Lent is becoming increasingly popular among evangelicals and other denominations. During Lent, people typically abstain from meat and may also give up other vices, such as sweets, television, or social media. Many believers may also choose to participate in the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s experiences in the Bible. 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 paraphrase sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.”
On a Daniel Fast, people restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God. 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. For more information on doing the Daniel Fast, click HERE.
How will you prepare for Easter this year?
Consider doing the Daniel Fast sometime during Lent (Wednesday, Feb. 10th to Saturday, Mar. 26th). It’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate what God has done for you and pray for others to know His love!
Download my free Lent 2016 Prayer Guide!
I am into early Lent , per the EASTERN ORTHODOX RELIGIOUS CALENDAR. PLEASE CONTINUE THE LENTEN blog for those of us in the EASTERN half of Christianity.
Thank you…
Josip
Stumbled on Lent from a co worker 5 yrs ago. For the past 3 yrs I have done the Daniels Fast for the last 21 days of lent (currently on day 5 for this yr). As a grow as a man and father i find this fast mental warfare. Would not consider myself overly religious but def spiritual and this fast allows for a closer walk and a clear focus. I have so much energy and motivation to do more during the fast, i can admit that after the fast i went directly back to my bad eating habits, and something im trying hard to correct this time around This yr i also added no social media post and a few others things as mental training, and as a life long fat guy who has never tried a diet this works if that was a need or concern.
***Key is to keep eating (snacking) and don’t allow yourself to get hungry. Be Blessed.
Thanks so much for your comments. Yes, fasting IS warfare in every sense of the word. But I’m thankful you haven’t let that fact keep you from doing it! May the Lord continue to fill you with His power as you seek Him on this fast. I pray you will sense His nearness in a special way. “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10).
What are best time (months) of the year for Daniel Fast.
Any time! I have led a Daniel Fast in January for the past five years, and many people choose to do the fast then. The weeks leading up to Easter is another popular time. But you can do the fast whenever the Lord leads.
Hi kristen,l just join this platform.I hope,to learn a lot from Daniel fast. A big thank to you
Great! I’m so thankful you’re interested in seeking the Lord through the Daniel Fast. May God bless you abundantly this year!
Can you use thickeners such as cornstarch for soups while on the Daniel fast?
Hi, Carolyn! Great question. Since corn starch is not a whole grain, it is not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Corn starch is the starch extracted from corn and contains only the endosperm of the corn kernel. A whole grain product contains the germ, the bran, and the endosperm.
This is amazing – I just stumbled onto you page, I’ve been looking for information about the Daniel Fast for a while and decided to start on 10th Feb for Lent despite my lack of good guidelines and information. But I have to say, even with me knowing I was not doing it correctly God has been speaking nonetheless because He knows the heart behind me doing the fast. I believe it’s not by accident I came to your page as I’ve been praying for Him to give me some kind of guideline and I love the way you break down the ‘ingredients’ and happy to know I wasn’t too far off. Now my mind can rest and stop trying to figure out the ‘correct’ way!
Thank you Kristen 🙂
Hi! I’m so glad the Lord led you to my website. My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, is also a great resource. I’ve done the Daniel Fast many times, and I use the book every time! May the Lord bless you abundantly as you seek Him!
Thanks Kirsten for the lent prayer points. I am catholic and i enjoyed the Daniel fast in January. It actually drew me closer to GOD. This lenten period I will be on the fast again and these prayer points are a real blessing. GOD BLESS YOU.
You’re welcome, Esther! May the Lord bless you abundantly as you seek Him!
Thank you for this information. It is very helpful! I also like the daily verse idea.
You’re welcome. 🙂
Thank you for this! I just started the Daniel fast this week, I’m assuming to do it each year to get closer to God and see His mighty works in mine and my family’s lives. Good has already been good to me and I’m only 3 days in, I was worried about the withdrawal symptoms from sweets and caffeine, I usually get terrible headaches but thank God I haven’t experienced any!!! I just want to say that your website has the best resources for this fast! May God continue to bless you so that you can bless others!
Hi, Dom! Thanks so much for your comments. I’m glad you are drawing closer to the Lord through prayer and fasting. May God fill you with His power and peace as you seek Him these next three weeks.
Thank you l like this. This will keep me focus on others and less on me.
Although, I was hoping to find daily/weekly scriptures with your guide.
Hi, Teresa! Thanks for your comments. Adding Scriptures to the guide is a great idea. Perhaps I can add verses next year. I appreciate your feedback!
Hi can you eat fish doing lent?
Hi, Trudy! Whether or not to eat fish is a personal decision. The Daniel Fast doesn’t include animal products of any kind.