Well, January 10th at 6 pm will mark the beginning of our 21-Day Fast. Some of you will commit to a shorter period of spiritual fasting, but still, give a “first fruits offering” of themselves to the Lord by beginning the New Year with prayer and fasting.

The 21-Day Fast is the most popular, primarily because that is the model set out by Daniel in Chapter 10:2, 3 – “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”

Below is some information you can use to be successful on your fast. One thing I want to advise: Be prepared! First, have the right kinds of foods in the house that you can eat for this Fast. This fast is commonly known as the Daniel Fast, however, we have made a few adjustments as to what we will consume. So even though it is a 21-day fast we won’t call it the Daniel fast. Simply 21 days of prayer and fasting.

Below is a food list you can use to determine how to eat on this fast. Also, plan your menus and prepare the foods so they are available to you.

You might want to get rid of or at least put away foods that are tempting. Kind of like the biblical accounts of Jewish women as they prepared for the Passover by cleaning their houses from top to bottom and removing all yeast from their homes. Many Jews engage in this same practice today when they prepare for the Passover.

Plan time to prepare meals, as they will likely take a little longer than when you are not fasting. Most of the meals you prepare will be from scratch since there are so few prepared products that don’t have chemicals in them. So you will want to set aside enough time to prepare your meals, not only for those you will have at home, but also those you will have at work or when you are traveling.

Of course, you also want to prepare your heart for the 21-Day Fast. Seek the Lord’s guidance, as you get ready to start the fast. Are there issues in your life that you need to address? Are there needs in your family or ministry that can use special attention? Are you seeking healing? Do you feel oppressed by financial bandages? These first few days of the year are an excellent time to search your heart, open yourself to the Lord, and allow Him to lead you into your personal 21-Day Fast.

God bless you and I hope the very best for you as you set aside this time to give the first of yourself to Almighty God. Remember, He rewards those who diligently seek Him. So keep your mind on Christ and your focus on righteousness.

Foods to include in your diet during the fast

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes, and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs, and spices.