If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.
BREAKING THE YOKE AND SPIRITUAL CONFLICT CAN BE OVERCOME BY FASTING AND PRAYER
2 Timothy 2:21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
1. When Daniel fasted it was always with a purpose, and a full commitment to God with love and devotion.
Daniel 1:8
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, not with the wine he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
If we are going to be blameless, harmless, sons and daughters we must also take a stand as Daniel did, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Philippians 2:15
That ye may be blameless and harmless sons and daughters of God with out rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we shine as lights in the world.
Then, all these things shall be added to you... through prayer and supplication. Matthew 6:33
2. By seeking the kingdom of righteousness then our prayers will take on kingdom living and a kingdom lifestyle of:
- Purity in my walk - 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Corinthians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:2
- Honesty in my heart - Job 31:16
- Humility in my thoughts - 1 Peter 5:5-6
- Integrity in my stand - Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 20:7, Titus 2:7
3. Daniel's example of prayer is making confession and repentance for our sins and the sins of our nation.
Daniel 9:5-6, 10
We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments... Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants... Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in His laws.
4. Daniel 10:11-14 speaks of God's moving through Daniel's prayers. We see God revealing dreams and visions; as well as answered prayers and giving him an impartation of wisdom for life and ministry.
We need God's wisdom for:
- Prayerfulness in our relationship with God and also prayer for the lost.
- Repentance for missing the mark of God's righteousness.
- Confession of sins, short coming and failings.
- Surrender of will to Christ Jesus and obeying His will.
- Faithfulness to Christ Jesus everyday and in every way.
Habakkuk 2:2
And the Lord answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that read it.
- Write down why you are fasting?
- What are your spiritual goals?
- What are your dreams and visions?
- What would you like to do for God?
- How long are you fasting for?
- What results are you expecting from God?
Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned, or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.
FOODS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET DURING THE DANIEL 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, cucumber, 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.
Others: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs, and spices.
FOODS TO AVOID ON THE DANIEL FAST
- All meats and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
- All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
- All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
- All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
-All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
-All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, french fries, and corn chips.
-All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard, and foods high in fat.
-Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
