BFB-The Stretch Devotional & Guide 2026 - Flipbook - Page 5
FASTING | HOW TO FAST | THE DANIEL FAST
THE STRETCH
HOW TO FAST
As you prepare to begin this fast, take time to ready yourself in mind, body, and
spirit. Fasting is not about dieting or self-improvement; it is a spiritual discipline
designed to draw us closer to God. If your fast includes changes to your eating
habits, use wisdom and consult your primary care physician to ensure that what
you’re doing is safe and healthy for you.
Intentional preparation will help you get the most out of this season. Planning
ahead4especially with meals and daily routines4can free you from unnecessary
stress and allow you to focus on the spiritual purpose of the fast. Remember,
fasting is not simply about removing something from your life; it is about replacing
it with time spent seeking God through prayer, reflection, and Scripture.
Consider how your daily rhythms can be redirected. If mornings are usually spent
eating or scrolling, use that time to pray or sit quietly with God. If evenings are filled
with television or other distractions, set aside time to read the Word or reflect on
what God is revealing to you. The aim is to create intentional space for God to speak
and move.
Consistency is important, but grace is essential. If you stumble, miss a day, or fall
short of your plan, do not allow discouragement to take over. Simply refocus and
continue forward. Fasting is not about doing everything perfectly; it is about
allowing God to shape and renew you. Trust His grace to meet you where you are
and lead you through this season of growth and renewal.
WHAT IS THE DANIEL FAST?
The Daniel Fast is rooted in two moments from the life of the prophet Daniel that
reveal his commitment to honoring God above all else (Daniel 1:15316; Daniel 10:23
3). In the first account, Daniel and his companions4Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego4refused the royal food and wine that violated their convictions.
Instead, they chose a simple diet of vegetables and water. After ten days, their
appearance and health surpassed those who ate from the king’s table,
demonstrating God’s favor on their obedience.
In the second account, Daniel entered a twenty-one-day period of fasting as he
sought understanding and clarity regarding a vision he had received. During this
time, he abstained from meat, wine, and rich foods, dedicating himself fully to
prayer and reflection. At the conclusion of the fast, God sent an angel with insight
and understanding, affirming that Daniel’s devotion had been heard and honored.
In both moments, Daniel’s fasting was rooted in faithfulness and a desire to remain
aligned with God’s will. The Daniel Fast is not about copying Daniel’s exact diet, but
about adopting his posture of devotion. By setting aside certain comforts and
routines, we create space to draw closer to God and become more attentive to His
voice.
Though our modern food choices differ greatly from those of Daniel’s time, the
heart of the fast remains unchanged. Fasting helps recalibrate our focus, shifting
our dependence away from convenience and comfort and back toward God. It
invites us to step beyond routine, deepen our spiritual sensitivity, and grow in faith
as we seek to honor Him in every area of life.
