{"id":347303,"date":"2025-06-21T18:17:35","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T22:17:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/?p=347303"},"modified":"2025-06-24T10:06:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T14:06:45","slug":"how-to-participate-in-the-fast-of-daniel-21-days-of-spiritual-renewal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/post\/how-to-participate-in-the-fast-of-daniel-21-days-of-spiritual-renewal\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Participate in the Fast of Daniel: 21 Days of Spiritual Renewal"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 7px solid #365b81; height: 25%; padding: 21px;\"><big>Starting <strong>Sunday, June 22nd<\/strong>, and continuing until July 13th, <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universal Church<\/a><\/span> will observe <strong>the Fast of Daniel<\/strong> worldwide. This means we will engage in a 21-day focus on listening to the voice of God and seeking baptism with the Holy Spirit.<\/big><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f2f8fc; padding: 15px; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<h4>Article Highlights: Fast of Daniel (June 22nd \u2013 July 13th)<\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 21 Days of Spiritual Renewal<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Focused on seeking the Holy Spirit and deepening your relationship with God.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Not a food fast<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Instead, abstain from secular entertainment, social media, and news.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Inspired by Daniel 10<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: A biblical model of spiritual focus, wisdom, and understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Open to everyone<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Whether new or experienced, all <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are invited<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to participate with sincerity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 What to do<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Read and meditate on the Bible daily (Book of Psalms recommended).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Disconnect from distractions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Attend church services as often as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Replace entertainment with Bible-based and faith-based content.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Goal<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: To draw closer to God, nurturing a sincere and deeper relationship with Him, and above all, receiving the Holy Spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Resources provided<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Recommended readings, apps, programs, and how to join virtually for those who are unable to commute.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Who Should Participate in the Fast of Daniel<\/h4>\n<p>Unlike traditional food fasts, the Fast of Daniel involves\u00a0abstaining from <strong>secular information<\/strong>, entertainment, and anything that distracts us from spiritual matters.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: #f2f8fc;\">\u201cWe will begin the Fast of Daniel this Saturday night. The Fast of Daniel is for you to connect more with God\u2014which means &#8216;Less of ourselves and more of God.&#8217; And if you are already used to the Fast of Daniel, do not do it anyhow or your way\u2014Do it as never before to receive the Holy Spirit. But how can the Spirit of the Righteous God come upon somebody who is or has been unrighteous? You have to decide in which kingdom you will be: the Kingdom of God or the kingdom of this world,\u201d<\/span> explained and emphasized <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/birafonseca.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bishop Bira Joshua<\/a><\/span> during the Wednesday Bible Study in Brooklyn, NY, clarifying that the Fast of Daniel is a matter of a clear decision to abandon the old life and old ways and seek God wholeheartedly.<\/p>\n<p>In this text, you will find <strong>guidance on how to do the Fast of Daniel.<\/strong>\u00a0To participate, you must avoid distractions to foster a deeper communion with God.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>What is the Fast of Daniel?<\/h4>\n<p>The Fast of Daniel is a period for those desiring to draw closer to God. It is based on the experience of Daniel as described in <strong>the book of Daniel, chapter 10<\/strong>. For three weeks, Daniel fasted to draw closer to God and attain divine favor, wisdom, and understanding. During that period, he abstained from pleasurable foods.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Why Participate in the Fast of Daniel?<\/h4>\n<p>This fast is an opportunity to demonstrate to God that He is the most important in your life. For 21 days, you will refrain from pleasures and entertainment that pull you away from Him. Instead, prioritize the Holy Spirit, seeking Him with your thoughts, actions and dedication to pleasing Him through God&#8217;s Word. The Holy Spirit is our Lord Jesus\u2019 greatest promise:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever\u2014the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:17)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Objectives of the Fast<\/h4>\n<p>The primary goal of the Fast of Daniel is to receive <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/tag\/the-holy-spirit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Holy Spirit.<\/a><\/span> During these 21 days, you will dedicate yourself to seeking Him while distancing yourself from worldly pleasures and distractions. Ultimately, the Fast of Daniel is a powerful opportunity to draw closer to God and begin a new life with Him.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Step-by-Step Guide on How to Do the Fast of Daniel<\/h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 For 21 days, abstain from secular entertainment, music, and news.<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0Just as Daniel refrained from delicacies, you will avoid consuming content that is pleasurable to the flesh.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Connect with God by meditating on the Bible and praying more frequently.<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0During June, we are meditating on the Book of Psalms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Give up social media during this period unless it\u2019s work-related.<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0If you need social media for work, restrict your use to professional purposes only. Focus instead on activities that will enhance your connection with God and prepare you to receive the Holy Spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2022 Participate in as many days possible of church services.<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universal Church<\/a><\/span> is open daily with services every day. You may text 1-888-312-4141 for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Suggested Listening<\/h4>\n<p>We suggest the <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalradio.goodbarber.app\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Universal Online Radio<\/a><\/span> app available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.app.p3802GG&amp;hl=en_US&amp;pli=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Play Store<\/a> and <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/universal-online-radio\/id1066479901\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a><\/span>. You may also visit the<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalradio.goodbarber.app\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Universal Online Radio Web App by clicking here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Suggested Readings<\/h4>\n<p>Connect with God by reading and meditating on <strong>the Bible<\/strong> more often. In addition, consider reading a blog or a book that nurtures your faith while reflecting on the Bible references mentioned there. <strong>Some Suggestions:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-347353 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/41WnMI6SsgL._SY445_SX342_-192x300.jpg\" alt=\"The Ministry of the Holy Spirit\" width=\"148\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/41WnMI6SsgL._SY445_SX342_-192x300.jpg 192w, https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/41WnMI6SsgL._SY445_SX342_.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 148px) 100vw, 148px\" \/>\u2022 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.universal.org\/en\/bispo-macedo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bishop Macedo&#8217;s Blog<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>\u2022 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/birafonseca.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bishop Bira Joshua&#8217;s Blog<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u2022 Book: <em><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/books\/edition\/In_the_footsteps_of_Jesus\/QPFjDwAAQBAJ?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">In the Footsteps of Jesus<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u2022 Book: <em><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/books\/edition\/The_Holy_Spirit\/pKNZDwAAQBAJ?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Holy Spirit<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u2022 Book: <em>The Ministry of the Holy Spirit<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u2022 Book: <em><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/books\/edition\/Here_I_am_Lord\/f2hPEAAAQBAJ?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Here I Am, Lord!<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Suggested Viewing<\/h4>\n<p>You may join <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/BishopJoshuaFonseca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bishop Bira Joshua\u2019s Official Telegram Channel<\/a><\/span> for daily video messages and prayers of faith.<\/p>\n<p>On <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/ulfn.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ULFN<\/a><\/span>, we recommend the viewing any of the following:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>\u2022 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/watch.ulfn.org\/the-showdown-of-faith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Showdown of Faith<\/a><br \/>\n<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u2022 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/watch.ulfn.org\/enconter-with-god\/videos\/psalms-in-concert-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Psalms in Concert<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>\u2022 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/watch.ulfn.org\/fighting-the-unseen-enemy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Unseen Enemy<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>\u2022 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/watch.ulfn.org\/the-spiritual-journey-in-the-holy-land\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Spiritual Journey<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>\u2022<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/watch.ulfn.org\/ask-the-pastor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Ask the Pastor<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>During this fast, you may watch films, series, and documentaries that promote a closer relationship with God. Consider also selecting content available on the <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.univervideo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Univer Video platform<\/a><\/span> that carries a message of faith and keeps you aligned with your purpose during the Fast of Daniel.<\/p>\n<p><strong>However, be careful to spend only some of your time watching videos.\u00a0<\/strong>Do not occupy all your time watching videos or listening to Christian music. The goal of this fast is for you to build a stronger relationship with God.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Is Food Abstinence Required?<\/h4>\n<p>The Fast of Daniel primarily focuses on abstaining from worldly information rather than food. The aim is to nourish your soul with guidance that comes from Above.<\/p>\n<p>God&#8217;s primary nourishment for us comes from His Word. Consequently, it is more important to concentrate on how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with God than to abstain from food.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>21 Days of Spiritual Renewal<\/h4>\n<p><strong>The Fast of Daniel will begin Sunday, June 22nd<\/strong>, and will be completed on Sunday, July 13th. <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universal Church<\/a><\/span> is open daily, and in addition to the main <strong>Sunday 10 AM<\/strong> services, a special meeting occurs every <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/tag\/wednesday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wednesday<\/a> <\/span>to strengthen our spiritual lives and <strong>seek<\/strong> <strong>the Holy Spirit.<\/strong> All are welcome regardless of religion, background, or circumstances. Come as you are.<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><strong>Wednesday at 10 AM, 4 PM, and mainly at 7 PM<\/strong> at\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universal Church<\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">.\u00a0<\/span>For more information on locations, please call\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"tel:18883324141\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1-888-332-4141<\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0or text 1-888-312-4141.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For those who live in areas without a location of The Universal Church, you may also connect to our\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/ulfn.org\/virtualchurch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Virtual Church via Zoom Conference.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Starting Sunday, June 22nd, and continuing until July 13th, The Universal Church will observe the Fast of Daniel worldwide. This means we will engage in a 21-day focus on listening to the voice of God and seeking baptism with the Holy Spirit. &nbsp; Article Highlights: Fast of Daniel (June 22nd \u2013 July 13th) \u2022 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":248,"featured_media":347312,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[323,12],"tags":[6214,6173,6121],"site":[],"class_list":["post-347303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-school-of-faith","category-fast-of-daniel","tag-21-days","tag-fast-of-daniel","tag-the-holy-spirit"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/248"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=347303"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347303\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":347355,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347303\/revisions\/347355"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/347312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=347303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=347303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=347303"},{"taxonomy":"site","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/site?post=347303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}