Daniel Fast 2026 –
A Word from
the Pastor
As we approach the Daniel Fast this year, let us do so with renewed hope and with fresh expectations. Remember, this fast is to be more than simply a modification of your diet. Let this fast be an indication of your change of heart and your devotion to the things of God. The Word tells us that we must fast and pray if we want to have the fullness of God in our lives. Through fasting and prayer, we are able to receive powerful revelation from God and breakthrough in areas of spiritual darkness and bondage where Satan seeks to gain a foothold in our lives. Living with the victory of God does not happen by mistake; this is only achieved on purpose, as we operate in the purpose of God.
In the Hebrew tongue, the word for fasting is Kana. Kana means to subdue or to bring low. It is the scriptural word for either bringing down an enemy in combat or subduing your own soul in an act of humility. This is why the combination of fasting and prayer can bring powerful results.
Here are some very important reasons why we must fast and pray:
1) For Fresh Vision: Every day God is ready to show us something new.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
2) Prayer for Breakthrough: Some spiritual breakthroughs are not achieved without prayer and fasting.
Dan 10:3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
3) Freedom Through Fasting: Prayer and fasting brings deliverance and freedom from every type of bondage.
Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
4) Temporary Sacrifice for Greater Peace: The temporary sacrifice of fasting and the time we spend in prayer reap greater benefits than we could ever imagine or think.
2Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
5) A Fasting Prayer for a Miracle: Miracles happen when we pray and fast.
Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
6) For Perseverance: There can be no spiritual endurance without strength. There is no strength without prayer and fasting.
Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
7) A Prayer for God's Provision in Time of Need: Through prayer and fasting, we never forget that God is our Source.
Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
8) For Sin You Can't Shake: There are stubborn sins that will not let go until the Word of God has starved them out.
Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
9) For Strength Against Spiritual Warfare: The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but are mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
10) Fasting for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance: The Holy Spirit is our teacher and our guide.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
11) Confession in Fasting: Through prayer and fasting, we become spiritually honest and sincere in our dealings with ourselves and with each other.
Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
12) To Know God's Purpose: God fulfills His purpose for our lives when we call upon His Name.
Ps 57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
13) Surrender in Fasting and Prayer: Without prayer and fasting we will never truly submit ourselves to God’s will.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
14) For Wisdom and Guidance: The leading by God’s Hand comes only when we recognize His Holiness and authority over our lives.
Ps 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Ps 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Ps 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Ps 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
As important as it is that we are experiencing personal times of prayer and fasting, the Word also says that the Church must fast as the Body of Christ.
Joel 1:14 Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord,
This is the only prescription that scripture gives us to bring back strength, abundance and power to the people of God. In Joel chapter 1, the people had become lazy and unconcerned about their relationship with God. Because of this, the work of the Lord was suffering and the people were living beneath their privilege. God did not tell them to get to work and fix things, instead He told them to fall on their knees and pray; and call a fast that He would heal them.
This is what God wants to do in our lives right now. We have seen so much personal growth over the last year. We have certainly seen God’s faithfulness to His Church and to the ministry of Bethel Evangel Community Church. Let us not become weary in well doing. God has so much more for us. Let us be expectant and confident in His ability to accomplish His will in our personal lives and in the Body of Christ. Let us look forward to this new season in God. Let us prepare ourselves for the harvest before it comes.
We need to see a harvest of souls. There are many who do not know Jesus. We must pray for divine direction on how to reach those who are lost. Many of us have family members who need to know Jesus. We must pray for God to reach their hearts. He did it for us; He will do it for them. Our communities need healing. There is so much hatred and division in our world right now. The Body of Christ needs healing and restoration. The needs are great. The fields are ripe unto harvest, but the laborers are few. Let us pray that God will send laborers into His harvest during this fast.
This year our daily readings will be primarily from the book of Daniel, but there will be other Old and New Testament readings as well. I am confident that this year’s fast will be powerful, productive, and positive. Let us move forward into 2026 with the assurance that we are starting this year dedicating everything to God in complete dependence on His Guidance and His Grace for His Glory. God bless you all.
Pastor Paul – January 2026