In 2026, as one body at TLC, we’re taking the LEAP—trusting God for greater as we ENLIST people, ENGAGE people, EMBRACE people, and EMPOWER people to change the world.
The Daniel Fast is more than a diet—it’s a spiritual journey of prayer, reflection, and surrender. Inspired by the prophet Daniel’s unwavering devotion, we step away from what’s rich and distracting so we can lean into what’s real and life-giving: God’s voice, God’s presence, and God’s purpose.
This guide will help you take the LEAP with clarity and power—to draw closer to God, grow in faith, break unhealthy patterns, and reflect His love through your testimony and service through the church. We’re not just fasting to lose something—we’re fasting to gain alignment.

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Throughout the Bible, believers took up a fast for three reasons:

1. To become more aware of God's presence

2. To confirm Gods will and purpose

3. To hear a Word from the Lord in a time of need.

 

Scripture Reference:

“those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat orwine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." Daniel 10:2,3

 

About the Fast

The Daniel Fast is a practical fast, (rather than total abstention from all food) but provides an opportunity to deny self and seek God. Click here to learn more about the 

 

A Few Fast Details

The prophet Daniel is our inspiration for the 21-day Daniel Fast. Based on this Biblical model, this fast is not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to all natural vegetables, fruits, and water.

• No "Pleasant" Food: This includes processed food and sweets.

• No Meat: All animal products are restricted, including dairy.

• No Wine: This restriction, coupled with previous fasts where Daniel drank only water (typical for biblical fasting), is where today's Daniel Fast finds its roots for water only. Natural fruit /vegetable juices are also acceptable.

 

Purpose of Fasting:

FASTING THROUGH THE L.E.A.P. LENS

L — LEAN IN (Love God Deeper)

Fasting creates space for intimacy with God.

When you remove distractions, appetites, and comforts, you make room for His presence to become louder than your cravings.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

During this fast:

• Replace unhealthy meals with prayer and worship to develop SAVAGE FAITH.

• Lean into Scripture instead of scrolling.

• Let hunger remind you to seek God first.

E — EXAMINE (Expose What’s Within)

Fasting doesn’t create weakness — it reveals it.

Anger, impatience, fear, pride, control issues — these were already inside us. Fasting simply brings them to the surface so God can heal them.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” — Psalm 139:23

During this fast:

• Pay attention to emotional triggers.

• Ask: Why did that reaction come out of me?

• Let the Holy Spirit do heart work, not just behavior change.

A — ALIGN (Submit to God’s Will)

Fasting realigns your desires with God’s purpose.

You stop asking God to bless your plans and start asking Him to reorder your priorities.

“Not my will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:42

During this fast:

• Surrender your calendar, habits, relationships, and ambitions.

• Replace control with obedience.

• Listen more than you speak.

P — POSITION (Prepare for What’s Next)

Fasting positions you to receive what God has already prepared.

This is where breakthrough, clarity, and direction begin to surface.

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31

During this fast:

• Expect clarity in decisions.

• Expect alignment in relationships.

• Expect God to prepare you for your next assignment.

THE BIG IDEA

Fasting isn’t about what you give up —
it’s about what God wants to give you.

This fast is the on-ramp to your LEAP.
A leap in faith.
A leap in obedience.
A leap in unity.
A leap into purpose.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, we surrender our appetites, our agendas, and our assumptions.
Search us. Cleanse us. Align us.

As we fast, help us hear You clearly, follow You boldly,
and step into the LEAP 26 You have prepared for us.
In Jesus’ name,

Amen.