Challenge
21-Day Daniel Fast
In Daniel 10, Daniel spent three weeks seeking God: “I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth” (Dan 10:3). This guide helps you or your church do the same, with simple food and a daily reading.
A partial fast is gentler than a full fast, but please read the safety guidance first. If you have diabetes, are pregnant or have any health condition, check with your doctor.
What to eat
Yes
- All vegetables, fresh or frozen
- All fruit
- Whole grains: oats, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, quinoa
- Beans, lentils and peas
- Nuts, seeds and natural nut butters
- Olive oil and herbs
- Water, and unsweetened tea if you choose
Set aside
- Meat
- Sweets and added sugar
- Fried food
- White bread and highly processed snacks
- Soda and sweet drinks
- Alcohol
Some churches also set aside dairy, eggs and caffeine. Decide as a church or family what your fast will include, and keep grace at the center. The goal is seeking God, not keeping a perfect list.
Simple meal ideas
- Breakfast: oatmeal with banana and peanut butter; fruit and a handful of nuts
- Lunch: black bean and rice bowl with salsa and vegetables; lentil soup
- Dinner: vegetable stir-fry over brown rice; bean chili; whole-wheat pasta with tomatoes, spinach and olive oil
- Snacks: apples, carrots and hummus, popcorn, trail mix
Daily readings
Read the passage each morning, and use your hunger or cravings through the day as a reminder to pray.
- Day 1. Genesis 1:26–31 · God made you and called it good
- Day 2. Psalm 139:13–18 · Fearfully and wonderfully made
- Day 3. Daniel 1:8–16 · Faithful at the king’s table
- Day 4. Matthew 4:1–4 · Not by bread alone
- Day 5. Matthew 6:16–18 · Fasting in secret
- Day 6. Isaiah 58:6–12 · The fast God chooses
- Day 7. Psalm 42:1–5 · Thirsting for God
- Day 8. Joel 2:12–13 · Return with all your heart
- Day 9. Ezra 8:21–23 · Humbling ourselves for help
- Day 10. Esther 4:12–17 · For such a time as this
- Day 11. 1 Kings 19:1–8 · Arise and eat
- Day 12. Psalm 34:1–10 · Taste and see
- Day 13. John 6:25–35 · The bread of life
- Day 14. 1 Corinthians 10:23–31 · All to the glory of God
- Day 15. Galatians 5:16–25 · The fruit of self-control
- Day 16. Romans 12:1–2 · A living sacrifice
- Day 17. Philippians 4:10–13 · The secret of contentment
- Day 18. Acts 13:1–3 · Worshiping and fasting
- Day 19. Daniel 10:1–12 · Three weeks of seeking
- Day 20. Matthew 11:25–30 · Rest for your souls
- Day 21. Revelation 19:6–9 · The marriage supper of the Lamb
At the end
Break the fast with a shared meal and thanksgiving. Ask each person: What did God teach you? What will you carry forward?