iFast
The Partial Fast
Scripture Reading: Daniel 10:1-12
Key Verse: Daniel 10:2-3
At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks.
3 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.
Among many churches the “Daniel Fast” is very popular. It is a partial fast in that food is eaten, but not our normal diet. It is basically vegetables, fruit and water; no breads, pasta or meat. As you read the account of Daniel, he had used this diet for three weeks because he was seeking understanding of God’s purpose for his life and the life of his people. God honored Daniel’s fasting and prayers. An angel appeared to reveal some future events for God’s people at that time.
This partial fast can be an effective way to seek God for answers to our questions or struggles. However, we must be careful to seek God in prayer along with this fast. The helpful thing about a total fast is that our stomachs will remind us that we are fasting. For me this serves to remind me to whisper a prayer every time my stomach complains! In the partial fast, I’ve struggled to focus on prayer. I sometimes worry more about what I’m allowed to eat than the prayers that I should be praying!
Fasting is not an end in itself. It is to give us more time and opportunity to pray. The secret to effective fasting is not doing without food. The secret is the increased prayers we send toward heaven! When we use the partial fast, we must make sure we’re finding time for prayer!
Father, you met with Daniel in a very special way. I would seek any and all ways you might want to meet with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.