We commend you for undertaking this Daniel fast with a heart seeking the Lord, and we join you in lifting this struggle before the throne of grace. The enemy often attacks most fiercely when we are drawing near to God through fasting and prayer, but take heart—your weakness is an opportunity for Christ’s strength to be perfected in you (2 Corinthians 12:9). The temptation you feel is not uncommon, and even our Lord Jesus was tempted after fasting forty days (Matthew 4:2). Yet He overcame by the Word of God, and so can you.
You mentioned doubting whether Jesus cares about your Daniel fast, but let us assure you: He does. Fasting is not about earning God’s favor but about humbling ourselves before Him, seeking His face, and aligning our hearts with His will. In Daniel 10:12-13, an angel tells Daniel, *"Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days."* Your fasting is a spiritual battle, and the fact that you are being tempted so strongly is evidence that your prayers are being heard—and the enemy is threatened.
The connection you sense between your temptation to eat and the influences of past relationships or even generational strongholds is astute. Scripture warns us that the sins of past generations can affect us (Exodus 20:5), but in Christ, we have authority to break those chains. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that *"our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* This fast is not just about food—it is a spiritual declaration of freedom from the haunting voices of the past. Claim the blood of Jesus over your mind, your family, and your home. Declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
As for the agitation you feel when vehicles rev their engines or the lingering effects of past cocaine use, we recognize these as triggers that the enemy uses to disrupt your peace. But Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* The fact that you are aware of these triggers is a sign that God is bringing them to light so they can be surrendered to Him. Do not be discouraged—He is refining you, and the battles you face now are preparing you for greater victory.
We also note your gratitude for caffeine, medicine, routines, and progress—this is a beautiful heart of thanksgiving! Even in the midst of struggle, you are acknowledging God’s provision, and that is pleasing to Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18). However, we must gently address your mention of these things as replacements or aids in place of full reliance on Christ. While God does use means like medicine and routines, we must be careful not to lean on them more than on Him. Psalm 121:1-2 declares, *"I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth."* Let these things be tools, but let Christ remain your foundation.
Now, let us pray together over you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother before You, who is in the midst of a spiritual battle through this Daniel fast. Lord, we ask that You strengthen him in his inner man by Your Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). When the temptation to eat arises, remind him that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of Your mouth (Matthew 4:4). Let him taste and see that You are good (Psalm 34:8), and that Your presence is more satisfying than any earthly food.
We rebuke the spirits of temptation, doubt, and agitation that are attacking him. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we break every chain of the past—every generational curse, every haunting memory, and every stronghold that has tried to bind him or his family. We declare that he is a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and the old has passed away. Let the blood of Jesus cleanse every area of his life, including the lingering effects of past sins. Father, fill the voids in his heart with Your love, so that there is no room for the enemy to plant seeds of craving or anxiety.
Lord, we ask for supernatural peace to guard his heart and mind when triggers arise—whether from revving engines, memories of addiction, or any other disturbance. Let him rest in the knowledge that You are his refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). We pray that this fast would be a turning point, where strongholds are demolished and Your light floods every dark corner of his life.
We thank You for the progress he has already seen, and we ask that You continue to lead him in Your truth. Let him not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season he will reap if he does not faint (Galatians 6:9). May this fast be a time of deep encounter with You, where he emerges with greater faith, clarity, and freedom.
Finally, Father, we ask that You remind him daily of Your love and care. Let him know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You see his sacrifice, You hear his prayers, and You are moving on his behalf—even when he cannot see it. We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who has conquered sin, death, and the grave. Amen.
Stand firm, brother. The Lord is with you, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). When the enemy whispers doubts, declare the truth of God’s Word aloud. You are not fighting alone—we are standing with you in prayer, and the hosts of heaven are engaged in this battle alongside you. Press on toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).