| Daniel Fast 2012 |
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Daniel Fast 2012
The Daniel Fast is modeled after the spiritual practices of Daniel. Basically, the Daniel fast is to eat only what come from the ground that have not been refined or processed. The fast does not stand alone, it is a part of a larger spiritual practice that includes regular and consistent prayer.
In Daniel 10, we learn that Daniel received a revelation that he did not understand until he had fasted for 21 days. On the 24th day he had the vision of a man who explained the revelation to him. For 21 days Daniel “ate no choice food.” This practice probably goes back to when He, with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, came to live in Babylon and refused to eat the king’s food. He requested only vegetables and water. “At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds” (Daniel 1:15-17).
Daniel exercised spiritual discipline by denying the body “pleasant food” so he could have deeper spiritual understanding. Daniel distinguished himself from among his peers because “an excellent spirit was in him.” It is this excellence of spirit we desire as we pursue a stronger relationship with God in fasting and prayer. Daniel’s faithfulness in prayer is another demonstration of his commitment to spiritual discipline. In Daniel 6, where we learn about Daniel in the lions’ den, it is clear that Daniel was steadfast in prayer under the most difficult of circumstances.
Make a list of your prayer concerns and use them to find scriptures to line up with your requests. In addition to your personal prayers, please include the prayer that we use this time to increase our congregation spiritually, numerically and financially.
Here is the plan:
During a Daniel Fast, in addition to fasting and prayer, we must also abstain from anything that would personally distract us from our purposes in the fast (e.g. television, Facebook,video games, hanging out, idle conversations, gossip etc.). Isaiah 58 makes it clear that fasting does not absolve us from responsibilities of love, kindness and justice.
We will pray 3 times a day, like Daniel. 6 a.m. 12 noon and 6 p.m. (for all who want to pray at the same time no matter where we are, let’s say this is CST (Central Time). Also, we will add the following items in order to experience physical wellness, accountability and discipline. Since we are seeking to gain higher heights this year,
1. Find a friend, co-worker, neighbor or famiky member to whom you can be accountable with.
2. Commit yourself to no less than 6-8 hours of sleep each night.
3. Get some fresh air everyday.
4. Start each with at least 10-15 minutes of meditation and prayer . 5. Exercise at least 30 minutes, four times a week. Walking, stretching, riding bikes, skating, etc are good choices. Choose something you enjoy that will get your heart pumping.
6. Drink at least a half gallon of clean water a day.
7. Spend at least 30 minutes reading either a local or national newspaper. Inform yourself!
8. Start each day with fruit and fresh juices. Always under eat rather than stuff yourself!
9. Rid yourself of nicotine as your lungs are vital to your health. At least cut back if you cannot kick the habit completely.
10. Practice reciprocity- learn to both GIVE & RECEIVE with an open heart and mind.
Remember, we eat these:
We don’t eat these:
We experience great health and spiritual benefits each year as we fast together....let's make the Lifestyle Changes this year that please God and allow us to be stronger, wiser and better servants of The Kingdom in 2012! |