SCRIPTURE - Daniel 10:1-3
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.
OBSERVATION
This passage is where the idea of the "Daniel Fast" comes from. While technically, a biblical fast is most literally the abstaining from all food and drink aside from water. Here, we see Daniel choosing to deny himself certain foods and comforts for an extended period of time. He turns his focus off of himself and towards God, and it prepares him to receive a powerful vision from God about the future of Israel.
APPLICATION
The foods you do and don't eat aren't the main point of the Daniel Fast. While the structures and guidelines help us do this together as a community, the objective of the fast isn't eating vegan for three weeks - that's a diet. During this time, we are denying our bodies common comforts and go-to fixes so that we can focus on God and prepare our hearts for what He might have to say to us.
You may be seeking direction or clarity from God, or there may be a part of your life you're wanting to see a breakthrough in. We will bring that to God, but for this first week, our primary objective is to focus on God. To draw close to Him. Remember that we are denying ourselves so that we can connect better with Him.
PRAYER
Today, ask God to point out to you anything that may be competing for the attention you want to give to God. Ask God to show you how you can give Him the proper time and space so you can grow close to Him and so He can speak to you.
"God, help prepare my heart through this fast. Show me what I can lay down in these weeks to turn my focus on you. Help my heart long for the words you want to speak to me and the time you want to spend with me. I give this fast to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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