2021 Church-Wide Daniel Fast - Preparing for the New Normal - Mt. Sinai Church
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2021 Church-Wide Daniel Fast
Preparing for the New Normal
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your
spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the
will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
– Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
Mt. Sinai Church
George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher
www.sinai.churchGeneral Information
The Daniel Fast is a method of fasting used by hundreds of thousands of Christians
throughout the world. It’s a biblically based partial fast based on two accounts of the
Prophet Daniel’s fasting experiences (see Daniel 1 and Daniel 10) and typical Jewish
fasting principles.
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, meaning that some foods are eaten and others are
restricted. It is like a vegan eating plan with a few additional restrictions and the only
beverage on the fast is water. While it typically last 21 consecutive days, Mt. Sinai
Church will fast 10 days to launch and 10 days to conclude our first quarter campaign
(“Preparing for the New Normal”). Members are encouraged to review this
information packet and start preparing EARLY to participate as you are able.
Our fasting periods are: Ÿ January 4-13, 2021
Ÿ March 25-April 3, 2021
First and foremost, the fast is a spiritual discipline where followers of Jesus Christ
can draw nearer to God and focus more of their attention on Him and His ways. In
today’s busy and distracting culture, entering into the fasting experience is like
pushing the pause button on a hectic life and centering more on the rest that Jesus
offers. This quieter and more focused time allows you to hear the still small voice of
the Holy Spirit as He reveals God’s truth and direction for your life.
Church congregations, study groups, and individuals often use the Daniel Fast as their
method of fasting to begin the New Year, during Lent, or at other times. This method
of fasting opens this powerful discipline to many people who find it difficult to fast
for multiple days on a water-only or liquid-only method of fasting (called a normal
fast). The blessing is that you can continue to meet your home and work
responsibilities while fasting and receiving from the Lord.
2Fasting was designed by God, not to change Him, but rather to change us! Fasting
doesn’t show God that you are good or deserving. Only Jesus Christ does that for us.
However, fasting does bring us into an experience where our hearts are more open to
what the Lord wants to show us for our individual lives.
While you will pay more attention to the foods you eat during the fast, focusing on
the food alone will keep you from experiencing the richness that’s available to you.
You can still enjoy your meals; however this is a time to be simple and more basic so
that food and feeding the flesh is in balance with your spiritual experience of fasting.
Review the Daniel Fast Food List in this pamphlet which outlines foods to include
and foods to avoid. There are also sample recipes and snacks.
About Susan Gregory
Susan Gregory calls herself “The Daniel Fast Blogger”, however most people
consider her the “The Daniel Fast Expert.” She has personally experienced the Daniel
Fast many times in her life, but in 2007 she started a simple blog to write about it.
Since that time, she has helped hundreds of thousands of men, women and teens
experience a successful Daniel Fast. Her simple blog has had more than 12 million
visits and Susan and her team have responded to more than 25,000 questions,
comments, and praise reports.
Susan is the founder of Faith Driven Life and a writer, speaker, and Christian life
coach. Her greatest desire is to come alongside men and women of God and support
them as they develop a faith-driven lifestyle with Jesus at the center of all they do.
Susan has worked and traveled in more than 35 countries and uses technology to stay
in touch with people throughout the world. For more information about Susan’s work
and the Daniel Fast, visit www.daniel-fast.com.
3Preparing for the Daniel Fast
One of the most important elements of this fast is preparation. It’s also where many
people make the biggest mistakes and experience the greatest disappointments. You
invest in yourself and your spiritual life when you take the time to learn about the fast,
the guidelines, and how to experience a successful fast. If possible, prepare your spirit,
soul, and body about a week or so before your start date.
Prepare your spirit by seeking God and His direction for your fast. Seek the Lord’s
input to decide your purpose and special focus for the fast. Perhaps there is a habit
to break or a new discipline to embrace. Are there relationships that need healing
or financial pressures that need fixing? Start preparing now.
Prepare your soul by clearing as many distractions as you can. Distractions can
come in many forms including busyness, attitudes, fears, and other emotions that
are not consistent with God’s ways.
Prepare your body by tapering off caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, etc.) so that you are
totally free of it when you begin your fast. For most people it takes about seven
days to withdraw from caffeine. This step is essential if you want to avoid painful
and debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Also, cut back on foods that contain a lot of
sugar including candy, sweets, and sodas. When choosing not consume any sugar,
sweeteners, caffeine, or artificial chemicals, many people experience a physical
detox during the first few days of the fast including headaches, fatigue, leg cramps,
and other typical symptoms. You can reduce these effects by weaning yourself
from these foods before the fast begins and also by drinking at least 1/2 gallon of
filtered water each day before, during and after the fasting period. Anytime you
have concern about symptoms you may experience, be sure to contact your health
professional. Fasting should never be harmful to the body!
You can learn more from The Daniel Fast book and workbook, published specifically
to help followers of Jesus Christ experience a successful fasting experience. It has
everything you’ll need for your fast including a complete cookbook and a daily
devotional section. The book is available through online or local booksellers and
libraries.
4Food List
The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat and is full of nutritious and healthy
foods. However, if you have special dietary needs, you should consult your health
professional before you start this fast. You can then modify the fast to meet your
specific health needs.
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. Look for the list of ingredients on the label
(not the nutritional value) to make sure all the ingredients comply with the Daniel
Fast guidelines. For recipe ideas, visit www.daniel-fast.com/myrecipes.
FOODS TO INCLUDE 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, etc.
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,
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.
All whole grains, including whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley,
grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut
butters including peanut butter.
5All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include dried beans, pinto
beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini
beans, and white beans.
All quality oils including olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Note: Unsweetened plant-based milks and juices can be used in recipes or on cereal,
but the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water.
FOODS TO AVOID ON THE DANIEL FAST
All meat and animal products including beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products including milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners including sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, cane juice, date
honey, and stevia.
All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked
goods.
All leavening agents including yeast, baking soda, and baking powder.
All refined and processed foods products including artificial flavorings, food
additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial
preservatives.
All deep fried foods including potato chips, French fries, and corn chips.
All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard, and foods high in fat.
Beverages including coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks,
and alcohol.
6Where to Shop & Eat
Below is a list of markets and eateries you might consider for maximizing
your food options on the Daniel Fast.
Local Farmers Markets Stuff I Eat Vegan Restaurant
Visit https://seela.org 114 N. Market Street
Be sure to check for COVID-19 related Inglewood, CA 90301
updates and restrictions. Visit www.stuffieat.com for more
information
Sprouts Farmers Market
5660 Sepulveda Blvd. Satdha (Plant Based Thai Kitchen)
Culver City, CA 90230 2218 Lincoln Blvd.
Visit www.sprouts.com for other Santa Monica, CA 90405
locations Call (310) 450-6999 for more
information
Whole Foods Market
6350 W. 3rd St. Native Foods Café
Los Angeles, CA 90036 9343 Culver Blvd.
Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com for Culver City, CA 90232
other locations Visit www.nativefoods.com for other
locations
Simply Wholesome Health Store &
Restaurant Tender Greens
4508 W. Slauson Ave. 9523 Culver Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90043 Culver City, CA 90232
Visit www.simplywholesome.com for Visit www.tendergreens.com for other
more details locations
Simply Salad | Custom Greens The Veggie Grill
5035 W. Slauson Ave., Unit B 720 Allied Way
Los Angeles CA 90056 El Segundo, CA 90245
Visit https://simplysalad.com for hours, Visit www.veggiegrill.com for other
menus, and other locations locations
7Sample Recipes
DRIED FRUIT AND ALMOND GRANOLA
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats Instructions
1/2 cup shredded coconut 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1/2 cup sliced almonds 2. Combine oats, coconut, and almonds in
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as a large baking dish. Drizzle with oil and
canola oil) toss until well blended.
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (apples, figs, 3. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20
apricots, etc.) minutes, tossing every 5 minutes,
1/2 cup raisins until lightly toasted.
4. Allow mixture to cool slightly before
mixing in dried fruit and raisins.
5. Store in airtight container and serve
with soy milk, fresh fruit, and/or
fruit juice.
GARDEN VEGETABLE SOUP (Serves 6)
Ingredients Instructions
4 tablespoons olive oil 1. Heat the olive oil in large, heavy-
2 cups chopped leeks, white part only bottomed stockpot over medium-low
(from approximately 3 medium leeks) heat. Once hot, add the leeks, garlic, and
2 tablespoons finely minced garlic a pinch of salt and sweat until they
Salt begin to soften, approximately 7 to 8
2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped into minutes.
rounds (approximately 2 medium) 2. Add the carrots, potatoes, and green
2 cups peeled and diced potatoes beans and continue to cook for 4 to 5
2 cups fresh green beans, broken or cut more minutes, stirring occasionally.
into 3/4-inch pieces 3. Add the stock, increase the heat to high,
2 quarts vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
4 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped 4. Once simmering, add the tomatoes, corn
tomatoes kernels, and pepper. Reduce the heat to
2 ears corn, kernels removed low, cover, and cook until the
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper vegetables are fork tender,
1/4 cup packed, chopped fresh parsley approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
leaves 5. Remove from heat and add the parsley
1 - 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon and lemon juice. Season, to taste, with
juice kosher salt. Serve immediately.
8RED BEAN SOUP
(Serves 6)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onions
¼ cup chopped green bell peppers
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 bay leaves
2 cups dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
1 tablespoon Special Seasoning,
2 quarts vegetable stock
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 cup diced carrots
1 ½ cups cooked long-grain brown rice, warm
6 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and
bay leaves, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
2. Add the beans and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add the Special Seasoning and stock, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to
medium and cook for 1 1/2 hours, until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the salt and parsley, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaves.
Remove 1 cup of beans from the pot and reserve.
5. With a hand-held immersion blender, or in batches in a food processor, puree the red
beans. Add the reserved beans, and stir well.
6. To serve, ladle a generous cup of the soup into each of 6 bowls.
7. Top each serving with 1/4 cup of the rice and 1 tablespoon of green onions.
9STIR FRY VEGETABLES WITH BROWN RICE
(Serves 4)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sesame oil Instructions
3 green onions, finely chopped 1. Heat a deep skillet or wok over medium
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced heat for about 1 minute. Add oil and
4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped heat for 1 minute.
½ pound fresh green beans, chopped 2. Add green onions and ginger. Sauté for
2 carrots, peeled and sliced on diagonal 5 minutes.
2 cloves garlic, minced 3. Add broccoli, green beans, carrots, and
4 cups greens, chopped (kale, bok choy, garlic. Stir fry for 8-10 minutes.
spinach, collards, etc.) 4. Add greens and toss for about 2 minutes
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained or until greens are wilted.
3 cups cooked brown rice 5. Stir in water chestnuts, brown rice, soy
2 tablespoons soy sauce sauce, peas and almonds.
1 ½ cups peas (if frozen run under water 6. Serve as complete meal
to thaw)
½ cup toasted sliced almonds
Tip: Serve this dish as a complete main dish along with a side of sliced fruit such as
oranges, pineapple or mango. This is also a great recipe to double and then use the
leftovers for lunch. Merely heat in the microwave or eat at room temperature.
Snack Ideas
1. Rice cakes, just plain old crunchy 9. Trail mix with nuts, raisins,
patties sunflower seeds, coconut pieces
2. Rice cakes with peanut butter and and dried fruit
raisins 10. Fruit kabobs
3. Almonds 11. Frozen fruit including grapes,
4. Dried fruit including apricots blueberries, strawberries and
5. Apples dipped in nut butter bananas
6. Sliced fruit 12. Whole wheat crackers with nut
7. Veggies with dip butter
8. Popped popcorn 13. Hummus with flat bread
Get more recipes and tips from www.daniel-fast.com/myrecipes,
www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/type/vegetarian and other online sources.
10Spiritual Goals
Fasting is not merely about food. The goal is three-fold: Strengthen Your Spirit, Feed
Your Soul, and Renew Your Body. Information on our virtual prayer meetings,
prayer targets, memory verses, and other suggested readings will be provided to the
congregation in a separate document.
Other Tips:
· Connect with another member to ensure accountability.
· Choose a specific daily time for prayer and scripture reading.
· Keep a journal of your Daniel Fast journey.
· Meditate on hymns that draw you closer to God.
Tips for Ending the Daniel Fast
Be careful when reintroducing foods into your diet.
· It’s tempting to end your fast by feasting on foods you’ve been denied for
several days. But feasting could lead to cramping, bloating, gas, and stomach
upset.
· Ease back into your “typical diet.” This is especially true with caffeine, sugar,
fatty foods, meat, and dairy products. Try small portions and go slowly.
· For caffeine beverages, drink one small cup or glass and then see how your
body reacts. Don’t be surprised if you get the “jitters.” Consider starting with
decaf.
· Don’t be surprised if you feel tired after you start eating the “typical foods.”
Your body has been detoxed and it might scoff at what it has to digest!
· Continue to drink lots of filtered water, at least 1/2 gallon a day.
Review your experience.
· Consider the lessons you’ve learned and the good habits you’ve adopted on the
Daniel Fast.
· If you struggled significantly during the fast, think about why things didn’t turn
out the way you hoped or planned and what you can do differently the next
time.
Praise God for the results.
· Thank God for the experience, strength, insight, lessons, growth, and desire to
know Him better.
· Praise God for building a stronger bond with other members during the fast.
· Thank God for deliverance from a besetting sin.
· Continue your spiritual commitment, making daily Bible reading, prayer,
journaling, and meditation part of your regular spiritual diet.
11Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Mt. Sinai Church
George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher
www.sinai.church
The businesses and recipes highlighted in this pamphlet are independent of Mt. Sinai Missionary
Baptist Church. We do not directly endorse or take responsibility for any products,
services, claims, or guarantees.You can also read
