Prayer During Daniel Fast

Fasting may not make much sense to the natural mind, but experience has taught me and many other thousands like me that fasting does change things first in the realm of the Spirit and then in the natural.

Crucifying the Flesh
Many might think that this fast is very easy, and some may even make fun of it. On the contrary, there is sacrifice and much discipline involved in the Daniel fast. The cravings when you give up sugar, deep-fried foods and beverages will be very hard for some people. But then you see, fasting is all about crucifying the flesh so that the spirit man can rise up in God.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)

Many Christians frequently face challenges with their flesh, including the struggle to do what is right, to obey and trust God, to avoid temptations, to keep temperance, and to walk in the fruit of the Spirit. These challenges can make it difficult for many Christians to walk in the spirit. The question of how to minimise this battle, begin to gain control of one's flesh, and bring it into subjection is one that I am asked rather frequently. The answer is found in Romans 8:13-14,

¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God; these are sons of God. (Romans 8:13-14)

The best way to crucify the flesh is simply to not give in to its cravings. This is the essence of the Daniel fast. If you starve the flesh of its cravings while feeding the spirit man, the spirit man will begin to overpower the flesh. One of the ways you can feed (strengthen) the spirit-man is through reading and meditating on the Word and prayer.

Reading and Meditating on the Word of God
During this Daniel fast, read the Word as much as you can. Instead of reading the news, make it an intentional choice to read the Word of God instead. You will be surprised at the dramatic results that follow. For those who love goals, I recommend reading at least seven chapters of the Bible daily while on the fast.

Refrain from watching television as much as possible during your time of fasting and spend that time instead reading and meditating on the Word of God or listening to a gospel message. (You could visit Noah Tube on the Noah App for a list of messages category wise)

Prayer
Now, when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. (Daniel 6:10)

Daniel was a government officer in Persia and, as such, must have had many pressing matters to attend to daily. However, he still made time for prayer. What a wonderful model Daniel gives us for a heart and mind that is totally set on the Lord!

He prayed in the morning, afternoon and evening (we could adapt it to our situation at night). Why not begin your day with prayer and worship? During the afternoon, after your meal (even if you are at the workplace), withdraw and spend some time alone with the Lord. Before you hit the bed, spend some time worshipping and thanking the Lord for all the things He has done for you. I call this Daniel's rhythm of prayer. I believe as you follow this rhythm of prayer, it is going to make a huge difference in your dedication to Him. Miracles are going to break forth in your situation.

Finally, I must warn you that restricting or changing our eating habits is good, but fasting primarily has to do with our spiritual life. Without engaging in the spiritual aspect of fasting, it's just a diet. So don't neglect Prayer, Word and Worship.

Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or simply send a message on Noah Chat, if you have any questions or suggestions.

Prayer During Daniel Fast

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