The Daniel Fast

In looking for ways to help me add prayer to my life, I also want to make the prayer time I have more spiritual.  Susan Gregory’s book, “The Daniel Fast” describes creating a prayer life that does just that. Using historical biblical references, Susan faithfully details how a partial fast inspired by Daniel can help strengthen your Christian walk.

I found this book to be moving – primarily because of the author’s strict adherence to biblical examples, and to her clear faith in God’s power, which is evident throughout the book. She is firm in her conviction of faith, and her biblical examples and health information are accurate, so this makes the concept of the Daniel Fast appealing.

Recounting biblical defenses that give positive reasons to fast, the author states that “the Daniel Fast is based on Jewish fasting principles and the experiences of the prophet in Daniel 1 and Daniel 10.”  In addition, the partial fast “is similar to a vegan diet (completely plant-based with no animal products) though somewhat more restrictive.”

Using quote after quote from throughout the bible, the author describes how we need to feed our Spirit, and how following the Daniel Fast can help do that. She describes how Daniel, when confronted with crisis, didn’t have to run to the bible to search for strength, because he “had his armor on – and he kept it on all the time.” The challenge then, is to allow the Spirit to lead us, not our earthly desires, and, the author says, the fast will help us to give that power to the Holy-Spirit.

Listing five steps for a successful fast, Susan stresses that prayer is the first thing needed, followed by planning, preparation, participation (embarking on the fast), and praising/processing the experience.  I really like that these steps give a firm foundation for Spiritual focus and menu planning. In addition, the 21-day devotional at the end of the book is in itself a wonderful resource for daily prayer.

The book includes food lists of allowable foods, and a list of foods that are not allowed. Included in the book are recipes for use during the fast, and the devotional that was written for use during a 21 day fasting period, though you could certainly do a Daniel Fast for just a few days.

For my part, I don’t plan to attempt to participate in the fast at this moment, because unfortunately, I am allergic to legumes, tree nuts, and soy and these are the main sources of protein allowed in the fast. I have been inspired, however, to try to modify the diet in my own way.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers, but this review is completely my own. I chose the book I wanted to read, they mailed it to me, and I have given my honest opinion of it. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”