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Daniel Prayer 2025
Isaiah 60:2 depicts a visualization of the spiritual atmosphere at the time of Isaiah; the Lord was shining His light like a rising morning sun on the earth that was covered with deep darkness. Prayer is not an option; it is a necessity. However, oftentimes we find it difficult to do. This is because the weight of the deep spiritual darkness in this world continues to press down our heart and soul. In a story in the book of Daniel, Daniel sets his mind to pray and focus on God for 21 days. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” (Daniel 10:2-3). “He set his mind to gain understanding and to humble himself before God,” (Daniel 10:12). As a result, he experienced God’s answer to his prayer. He then realized that he was at spiritual war in those 21 days. (Daniel 10:13)
Remembering Daniel in the Bible, we will also set aside 21 days to focus on God and discipline ourselves. From the early morning of March 30 to the early morning (the resurrection morning) of April 20, we will direct our hearts and souls to God while focusing on Him and enforcing self-restraint. Especially, this period overlaps with Lent (40 days not including Sundays leading up to Easter). Lent is the Biblical feast observed by churches to prepare for Easter. During Lent, we meditate on the passion of Jesus Christ and keep ourselves away from uncleanness. The ultimate goal of this abstinence is not to inflict stress physically, but to get fulfilled spiritually. It is like emptying out space before filling in. I pray that we can cleanse our soul and mind and fill it with spiritual grace and blessings. Most importantly, I would like our purpose to be God. I pray that during this prayer session, we get to know God’s heart and get one step closer to Him.
Just like what we eat matters to our physical health, what we think, see and hear matters to our spiritual health. So during the 21 days of prayer, we recommend that you abstain not only from eating, but also from media (TV and Internet). You may be lost not knowing what to do on the first day, but as time goes on, you and your family will start to read books and engage in conversations. Use the free time to pray and read the Bible. During this Daniel prayer, we will focus on reading the Bible. For those who participate,we will make small groups and have daily QT meetings together for 20 minutes. Also I encourage you to attend Thursday prayer meetings which are being held in our church every week. I will leave it up to your choice on what to abstain on and to what extent, as everyone’s individual and family circumstances differ. Please select more than two from the following list.
1. Media Fast: Minimize the use of media (TV, internet, computer games) as much as possible.
2. Daniel Fast: Practice dietary restraint (adjusted to each person’s health). For example, avoid refined carbs, food that is grilled over high heat, fried or stir-fried foods, sugary snacks or drinks, and alcohol.
3. One-Meal Fast: For 12–18 hours a day (at minimum, during daylight hours), fast from everything except water (medicine or non-caloric foods are allowed).
4. Forming New Habits: For example, regular exercise, consistent sleep schedule, or spiritual disciplines.
In any form or shape, make up your mind, and stay focused on God for 21 days..
Following the shepherd… Pastor Jiwon Choi