Preparing Spiritually

Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Preparing Your Body to Fast

As with many corporate fasts, we begin with great excitement of what God is going to do in our lives but soon fall off because we are not prepared for the discomfort and physical demands of a fast. Building ourselves spiritually is the goal of a fast and we must prepare our bodies physically to help us to be steadfast. Here are five tips which will help you to prepare:

1. Educate yourself as much as you can about fasting.

2. Write down all the instructions for your fast and organize a plan and schedule on paper before you begin. This is important because once the fast begins, you might try to convince yourself to quit. The schedule can then act as a contract you have made with the fast that you must keep. Remind yourself why you are doing the fast and remember that endurance pays off in the end.

3. Taper off your regular routine of caffeine, salt, sugar etc. Headaches, stomachaches and other discomforts are expected but your body will adjust.

4. Begin eating smaller meals prior to your fast. Resist the temptation to eat a big "last supper" the night before the fast. Cutting down your meals a few days before signals your mind, stomach, and appetite for the fast.

5. Gather everything you need for your fast before you begin.

It is recommended that:

• Avoid heavy exercising while fasting. Light yoga and walking are excellent ways to stimulate your metabolism without straining your body.
• Consult your doctor before you begin your fast; especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, ulcerative colitis, or epilepsy etc; if you are under 18 or underweight; if you are on medications. Understand that many traditional doctors might be hesitant to recommend a fast.
• Pregnant women, women nursing their infants, and young children should not fast

Remember we’re participating in the Daniel fast, which means you can eat, however we’re abstaining from certain foods and God will honor your best. During this time of consecration you may want to include a combination of fasts. For example, you may want to participate in a Full fast for 1-3 days (as the Lord leads you) and then continue with the Daniel fast. For example: Full Fast “Drink liquids only (you establish the number of days - Consult your doctor); 3-Day Fast “This can be any type of fast (Full Fast, Daniel Fast, Partial Fast, give up one food, etc. from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. or from sun up to sun-down). Keep this thought in mind, “what pleases God is the attitude of your heart”, sincerely seeking Him (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, I Corinthians 8:8).

Sincerely,
Pastor Telsee

Daniel Fast Scripture References:Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
Prayer and Reading of the Word:1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting:1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15- 16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-3

GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST

(Foods We May Eat)

Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley, Cream of Wheat, Oatmeal

Legumes:  Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas

Fruits:  Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon

Vegetables:  Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you not allergic to soy.

Nuts:  Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts

Liquids:  Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices, You may also drink protein drinks, all natural tea/no caffeine (sweetened with natural honey or stevia) NO CAFFIENATED Drinks.

(Foods to Avoid)

Meat (Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey), (Shell fish i.e. shrimp, crabs, also catfish)
White Rice, Flour and sugar and all products using it
Fried Foods
Caffeine (Coffee)
Carbonated Beverages (sodas)
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products
Potato Chips, Corn Chips, etc.

* This list is not meant to be all-inclusive

Remember:

• The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. "…to those four young men God gave knowledge".
• The Daniel Fast is longer than one day. We will fast for 21 days.
• The Daniel Fast is a partial fast. They ate, but only vegetables and water.
• The Daniel Fast requires abstinence from party or junk foods.