The Abstinence of Daniel

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

This fast by Daniel is one of abstinence of specific things. He abstained from pleasant food, meat and wine. This abstinence was for three weeks and in the midst of it and following, Daniel saw visions and was in a deep sleep. This is the fast that most people are familiar with and call the Daniel Fast. However, Daniel does not call abstaining from pleasant food, meat or wine, a fast.

What can I learn from this passage on fasting?

• There may be times that we abstain from specific food or drink for the purpose of seeking the Lord.
• This was a 21 day time of abstaining from Pleasant food, meat, and wine and a time of morning.
• Daniel did not anoint himself during those 21 days.
• Dan was given a vision and saw things others didn’t. But they did experience something that caused them fear.

Lord, I think You for the example of Daniel in seeking You. There are times that a complete fast is not possible, but You still honored his requests. Help me Lord to spend times in abstaining from things to seek You and hear more readily from You.