As we start the new year off, we are believing God for a breakthrough of revival in our church and community as we come together to participate in this year’s Daniel Fast. We believe 2026 will be a transformative year as we seek God for a renewal of his power in our lives. So, join us for 21 days of prayer and fasting, as we give the first of our year to God! Kicking off January 12th believing to be Revived!
During this time of fasting and praying we seek to know the Lord better in every way imaginable as we meet with Him face to face each day. Saints, as you prepare your heart and mind for this phenomenal season of prayer and fasting, be reminded that this serves as a chance for you to realign and make room for what truly matters. Imagine what could happen if you set aside this focused time with God. The peace, clarity, and breakthroughs you’ve been seeking might be closer than you think.
Each day, we will explore specific prayer focuses that align with various aspects of our lives. These daily themes will guide our prayers and reflections, as well as unify our church family! As we come together to focus our attention on God and seek him, we believe we will experience a move of the Holy Spirit! No matter where you’re in your relationship with God, we invite you to participate in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, and experience an outpouring of His presence as you kick off this new 2026 year!
Our intent is to have this guide help you find a new level of purpose, effectiveness, and enjoyment in your prayer life. We believe this time of prayer and fasting will help you:
- Renew your relationship with
- Create a holistic move toward serving God, Mind, Body and
- Live a healthy “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul” (3 John 1:2, NRSV).
- Mature in greater
- Attain power to defeat the enemy! “And he said unto them, ‘This kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting’” (Mark 9:29, KJV).
Saints, when you discover the beauty of daily conversation with God, you’ll experience His life-changing presence
What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a healthy, 21-day fast, based on the Old Testament story of Daniel, who rejected the king’s rich food in order to honor God’s best for him and his friends. Daniel was a young Israelite carried into captivity when the Babylonians invaded Israel. The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, decided to train the best and the brightest of these captives so they could be placed in positions of authority within the government.
King Nebuchadnezzar instituted a three-year training program and while they were being trained, the young captives were to be fed the same food found on the royal table. But Daniel knew this wouldn’t be a healthy diet, so he asked that he and three of his friends be allowed to eat healthier, and at the end of ten days, they looked better and were more robust than those who ate the king’s menu (Daniel 1:1-21).
Daniel’s request was not about a diet plan; rather, he understood God wanted him to live a healthy lifestyle so he could serve God no matter where he was located. Healthy living requires faith as the foundation, trusting that God’s way is the best way, while following his prescription for your health.
“At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So, the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.” Daniel 1:15-16
Questions Regarding the Daniel Fast
Who: This is a corporate fast that includes all members of St. James Community Church
When: Monday, January 12, 2026 (The First Day of the Fast)
Ends: Sunday, February 1, 2026 (The Last Day of the Fast – At Midnight)
What: The 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer: The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that we will eliminate some common things from our daily diet, but will have generous options available. We will focus on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. We have included a list of foods to eat and foods to avoid. *If you have any known medical conditions or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning the fast.
Caution: The 21 Day Fast, like other fasts, may have side effects or complications for people with medical conditions, pregnant, nursing and/or taking medicine. Consult your doctor before starting the fast.
Daniel Fast Food List
On the Daniel Fast, you eat plant-based meals that are nutritious and delicious, while setting aside other foods as an act of worship and sacrifice to the Lord. The following list explains the categories of foods to eat and foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast. However, keep in mind that not every item may be listed here.
FOODS TO EAT
Whole grains
Amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, freekeh, millet, oats, purple rice, quinoa, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, whole grain pasta, whole wheat, and wild rice.
Beans and legumes
Black beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, pinto beans, and split peas.
Nuts and seeds
Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, nut butters, peanuts (actually legumes but people think of them as nuts), pecans, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), pine nuts, pistachios, poppy seeds, walnuts, sesame seeds, soy nuts, sunflower seeds.
Vegetables
All vegetables are allowed (fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned).
Fruit
All fruit is allowed (fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned). However, any dried fruit shouldn’t contain added sugar (check ingredients to be sure).
Oils
Oils (such as coconut, olive, and sesame, for example) are allowed but should be used minimally. For example, you can sauté foods in olive oil but avoid deep-frying them.
Other
Unleavened bread (whole grain bread made without yeast, sugars, or preservatives. All herbs, spices, and seasonings are allowed, including salt and pepper.
Beverages
Water should be the main beverage on your Daniel Fast. Distilled, filtered, sparkling, spring, and mineral water are allowed as well. However, you may have 100% fruit juice on occasion (just don’t overdo it).
Daniel Fast Food List
FOODS TO AVOID
Animal products
Meat (bacon, beef, bison, chicken, lamb, pork, and turkey), dairy, (butter, cheese, cream, milk, and yogurt), fish/seafood, eggs.
Added sugar
Agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, brown rice syrup, brown sugar, cane juice, corn syrup, honey, malt syrup, molasses, and raw sugar.
Yeast
Yeast (and, therefore, leavened bread) isn’t part of the Daniel Fast.
Refined grains
White flour and white rice. Only whole grains are allowed on the Daniel Fast. A whole grain product contains the entire grain kernel ― the bran, germ, and endosperm.
Processed food
Foods that contain artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, and preservatives.
Deep-fried food
Examples are corn chips, French fries, and potato chips. (Baked chips are acceptable if they don’t contain restricted ingredients. Check the label for “baked” to be sure.)
Solid fats
Butter, lard, margarine, and shortening.
Chocolate
Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate syrup, and cacao.
Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
Alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea, and energy drinks.