What is the Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is a type of partial fast that focuses on eating vegetables and other healthy whole foods, but leaves out any animal sources. This fast is based on the story found in the book of Daniel. Daniel and his friends purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves “with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). They were permitted to eat a plant – based diet, which had not been offered to Nebuchadnezzar’s god, for 10 days as a test. After “the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food” (Daniel 1:15).
The benefits of incorporating the Daniel Fast with 10 Days of Prayer are physical, mental, and spiritual. When you combine fasting with prayer, you are intentionally pursuing God in your life and a deeper connection with Him. Fasting can help focus your spirit, heart and mind on God, instead of on your own desires. The physical benefits include detoxification, weight loss, breaking addiction to sugar to name a few. There are also mental and emotional benefits such as relieving anxiety, clearing the mind of negative thoughts and feelings, and decreasing brain fog.