DANIEL FAST 2025
Gethsemane Baptist Church 2025 Theme:
“Seeing God’s S.H.I.F.T.”: Health and Healing the World Through the Gospel 3rd John 2‐4
Congregation‐Wide Fast January 3, 2025 ‐ January 23, 2025
ʺAnd Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.ʺ Mark 2:19‐20
The story of Daniel and the 21-day fast comes from the book of Daniel 10, where Daniel embarks on a time of mourning, prayer, and fasting to seek God’s guidance and understanding of a vision.
Background
Daniel was a prophet during the Babylonian exile (605–536 B.C.). He was known for his unwavering faith in God despite challenges in a foreign land. The 21-day fast occurred during a time of spiritual distress as Daniel sought clarity on a vision regarding the future of Israel.
Key Themes of the 21-Day Fast
1. Seeking God with Intensity: Daniel’s fast was a sign of his dedication to understanding God’s will.
2. Spiritual Warfare: Daniel’s experience shows that prayers are heard immediately, but spiritual battles can delay answers (Ephesians 6:12).
3. Faith and Patience: Daniel continued to pray and fast despite the delay, trusting God’s timing.
4. Encouragement from Heaven: God sent divine encouragement through the angel, reminding Daniel that His faithfulness was seen and valued.
Application for Today
The “Daniel Fast” is often used as a model for modern fasting. It typically involves 21 days of consuming only fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and water, mirroring Daniel’s self-denial of rich foods. The purpose is not just dietary but spiritual—to focus on prayer, humility, and seeking God. This 21-day fast from Daniel 10 encourages believers to deepen their connection with God, persist in prayer, and trust that God is working, even in unseen realms.
Our fast at Gethsemane will also be a 21-day fast (starting at 6:00 am, Friday, January 3rd and ending 5:30 pm, Thursday, January 23rd), with more options. They are listed below:
Food - 21-Day Fasting – abstaining from food from the hours of 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, and when eating, you follow the prescribed foods from the “Daniel Fast” listed above.
Note: Those with dietary restrictions and/or medical issues can adjust the fast accordingly. Please see the attached “Daniel Fast Food List” for more information on foods accepted and to be abstained from. The book resource for the 21-Day Food Fast is “The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast” by Kristen Feola, or the website, https:/ultimatedanielfast.com.
Financial – 21-day Fasting – abstaining from extra purchases and shopping for items wanted, not needed. This fast concentrates on watching how you spend your money, as well as challenging the adherent to abstain from financial spending as a form of therapy/happiness. The focus is also on God supplying all of your needs.
3 Technological – 21-day Fasting – abstaining from all forms of technological media between the hours of 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, which includes social media sites (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, SnapChat, Pinterest, Reddit, etc.). There are too many to name! This also includes abstaining from internet sites (political and social), television, streaming, etc. The goal of this fast is to block out all extra “noise” in our work and social spaces, focusing on the voice of God.
Please pick one option for fasting, or a combination (ex: food and technology). But we are asking all Gethsemane Baptist Church members to participate. Start small and work your way through this. And remember, you’re not alone. We are fasting and seeking the Lord together as a church body.
During the 21 days, we will still engage in our “Grace in the Garden” Corporate Prayer calls at 7:00 am, 12 Noon, and 7:00 pm. On these calls, you can join and testify as to how the Lord is showing up in your fasting and dedication to Him. We love to hear how God is working in the lives of our members and community. Don’t be scared! We can do this TOGETHER.
Each day has a dedicated theme. The following themes are designed to help you focus, in whichever fast you have decided to participate. Please read them over and meditate on them as you seek spiritual discipline in the Lord. And don’t forget to pray for our church and the members. We are all God’s children; a family of faith building up the Kingdom of God.