Instructions for the Daniel Fast

Overview

The Daniel Fast is a diet program that focuses on spiritual development through discipline and a desire to ready yourself spiritually to become closer to God. Just like Daniel in the Bible, who abstained from partaking of the king's rich foods and meat, someone who embarks on a Daniel Fast gives up rich foods and curbs his appetites; both literally and figuratively, as he seeks to gain a better connection with God through constant prayer and partial fasting.

Step 1

Rid your cupboards and refrigerator of rich, meaty foods, including fish and poultry. Remove heavily processed foods and convenience foods, as well as processed ingredients like processed flour and sugar products. Like Daniel, you will be abstaining from "rich" foods. The Bible does not give exact instructions, so you can decide the definition of rich foods for yourself.

Step 2

Fill your kitchen with raw, whole foods. The Bible says that Daniel ate vegetables and drank only water to fulfill him while fasting. Look for brightly colored fruits and vegetables, which have the most nutrients, as well as healthy proteins like beans, nuts and legumes. Go fresh whenever possible, to avoid preservatives in canned goods. Drink only water, and get rid of all other beverages.

Step 3

Fast from other figurative appetites, like the appetite for things that are of the world. These could include television, sports or social engagements. As the goal for a Daniel Fast is to grow closer to God, remove all of those things that would distract you from that growth.

Step 4

Take time to pray and meditate on your own spirituality. Meditation can be performed in any quiet space, where you have time, at least ten minutes or more, to sit comfortably and reflect on your life, spiritual growth and accomplishments. Along with fasting, this meditation can help you gain more in the way of peach and growth.

Step 5

Exercise discipline when on the Daniel Fast. Learn to say "no," and avoid justifying eating rich foods or partaking in things from which you said you'd abstain. The only person monitoring your fast is you, so you need to be faithful to the fast by living it carefully. For instance, going out to social activities that may hinder your spirituality, like a night at the bar, should be said "no" to while on the Daniel Fast.

Step 6

Continue the fast until you feel like you've accomplished your goal of becoming close to God through fasting and prayer. Each individual needs to decide how long to fast, as the results of this fast are largely personal.