21 Day Daniel Fast
“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.”
Daniel 10:2, 3
What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a 21-day season of focused prayer and simplified eating, modeled after the prophet Daniel's three weeks of seeking God in Daniel 10:2–3. Those who take it up set aside meat, dairy, sweeteners, leavened bread, and other rich foods, eating simply so that ordinary hunger becomes a reminder to pray. Each January, our church family at Redemption Hill begins the new year with this fast together. Whether you're joining us or fasting on your own, everything you need to prepare is below.
Why Fast?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God. When we set aside physical comforts and create space in our daily routines, we make room to seek Him more intentionally. In Daniel 10, Daniel fasted for 21 days while seeking understanding from God—and the Lord met him with powerful revelation and spiritual breakthrough. As we fast together, we're following this biblical pattern: removing distractions, demonstrating that God matters more than our comfort, and positioning ourselves to hear from Him. Whether you're seeking direction for the new year, praying for breakthrough in a specific area, or simply desiring a deeper walk with Christ, fasting creates the spiritual focus we need. When our church family fasts together, we also experience the power of corporate unity as we collectively seek God's face for the year ahead.
Preparing Well
Success in fasting begins with preparation. Stock your kitchen with approved foods in the days before beginning the fast, and consider removing tempting items from easy reach. Since most meals will be prepared from scratch to avoid chemicals and preservatives, plan extra time for cooking—both for meals at home and those you'll take to work.
More importantly, prepare your heart.
Use these final days of the year to seek God's guidance. What spiritual issues need addressing? Where do you need healing, breakthrough, or clarity? Whether you're praying for family needs, financial freedom, or deeper spiritual growth, let the Lord lead you into this consecrated time. God Rewards Those Who Seek Him As we dedicate these 21 days to the Lord, we position ourselves for His blessing. Remember: He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Let's keep our minds on Christ and our focus on righteousness as we fast together.
Special Note: If you have health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any fast.
Food To Include in Your Diet
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.
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.
This includes, but is not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
This includes, but is not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
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.
This includes, but is not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame oils.
This includes spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices are also included.
Foods to Avoid
This includes, but is not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
This includes, but is not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
This includes, but is not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
This includes Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
This includes, but is not limited to potato chips, French fries, and corn chips.
This includes shortening, margarine, lard, and other foods high in fat.
This includes, but is not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.