Spring 2019 Daniel Fast Prayer and Fasting Guide

Daniel Fast for Lent 2019 March 6th through April 21, 2019

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long will this fast last? We will start at 12:01 am on March 6th and break the fast on Resurrection Sunday, April 21, 2019. You will notice that if you count from March 15th through April 21st there are more than 40 days. During the Lent Season we do not count the Sundays. On March 31st we will be launching our Spring Evangelism campaign with a series of trainings in the 3 Circles evangelism tool. You can download the free app (3 Circles: Life Conversation Guide) for your phone right now from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

What is fasting and why should we do it?
According to Richard Foster, author of “The Celebration of Discipline”:

The central idea in fasting is the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity. . . . One of the first things we learn in experiences of fasting is how it reveals what controls us. You see, we cover up with food and other good things what is inside of us, but in experiences of fasting these come to the surface.

Fasting is an accompanying discipline to prayer. Through fasting we can clear our minds, concentrate our energy and clarify our passion for God.

What are we fasting from during this season?
This corporate fast is a Daniel Fast. (See Daniel 1:8) In general we will be fasting from all caffeine, all carbonated drinks, refined sugar (including high fructose corn syrup), and meat. One way to think about it is to say, “no meats and no sweets.” A better way to look at it is to consider it spring cleaning for your mind, body and spirit.

What specifically are we asking God to do? We want Him God to unite our hearts to make Him our first priority. We want Him to empower us to be better witnesses for Him. We want Him to save our friends and family. We want to experience a deeper level of consecration and commitment to Christ. When we gather on Resurrection Sunday we expect Him to do something miraculous in and for the congregation. The keyword for this year is Service. We are asking God to fix our hearts so that we can make disciples out from every nation by opening our hearts and our homes to the lost.

What can I expect as a result of fasting? We can expect to be tempted with crankiness, fatigue, and sugar withdrawals during a Daniel Fast of this duration. We can also expect to be strengthened in unusual ways with Heavenly Help.

Daniel Fast Guidelines Foods to Eat The Daniel Fast is a partial fast. We will not be eliminating all foods. In fact, instead of thinking about what you will not be eating consider this fast a celebration of the healthy food God has provided naturally from the ground. Some of the things you should consider eating during this fast include:

Whole Grains: brown rice, oats, rolled oats, oatmeal, barley, corn, popcorn, wheat

Legumes: dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, green beans, green peas, peanuts, etc. Grain legumes include beans, lentils, mung beans, peas and peanuts (includes natural peanut butter).

Fruits: apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, breadfruit, cantaloupe, cherries, coconuts, cranberries, dates, figs, grapefruit, grapes, grenadine, guava, honeydew melons, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, melons, mulberry, nectarines, oats, olives, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, pumelo, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon, etc.

Vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, jicama, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, any peppers, any potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers, etc.

Seeds: all nuts, natural peanut butter, natural almond butter, sprouts, ground flax, etc.

Liquids: spring water, distilled water, filtered water, 100% all-natural fruit or vegetable juices, herbal teas, soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk (caffeine free) Tea, For some recipes check out: http://www.christ-web.com/missions/farho/daniel-fast-recipes

Additionally, during this Daniel Fast we are monitoring what you feed our minds. No questionable entertainment via: • Television • Movies • Internet • Music • Literature Play as much praise and worship music as possible. Read scripture the first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed. Don’t sleep with your cell phone.

“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” Ephesians 5:4 (New Living Translation)

Foods to Avoid Meat, Poultry, Fish, White Rice, Fried Foods, Caffeine, Coffee, Carbonated Beverages Refined Sugar or Sugar Substitutes, White Flour, White Bread, Dairy (milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, etc.)

Plan ahead for snacks. To effectively enjoy and get the most out of this fast you need to learn how to make and pack your own snacks. If you are depending on fast food or vending machines in order to make it through this fast you will likely be frustrated. You need to plan ahead and keep airtight containers (Tupperware, baggies, etc.) of the food you should be eating readily available. If you don’t plan to eat the right things you will surely eat whatever is available or either just be cranky all day.

Eating frequently instead of waiting until you’re ravenous will help you avoid overeating as well. Try to graze (eat a little bit every 2 to 3 hours) instead of gorge (starve all day and then eat until you are stuffed). Always try to have some cut-up fresh vegetables or fruits on hand such as celery and carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries. Small amounts of nuts also make a good snack. There are various chips and crackers made from rice, sweet potatoes and other vegetables that you might try. Drink as much water as you possibly can. Sometimes you might think you are hungry when you are actually thirsty.

If you must eat out here are some local restaurants that have quality vegetarian selections:

• Cantina Tacos

• Jason’s Deli

• Pig’s Mind Brewing

• Sister’s Thai Café

• Pita Pit

• Panera Bread

• Chipotle

• Mary’s Market

• India House

• Kuma’s Asian Bistro

• Noodles & Company

• Greenfire

• Sahara Palace

• Thrive Café

• Wired Café

• Octane Interlounge