Download the full Gethsemane Baptist Church 21-Day Daniel Fast Devotional

LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

Rev. Dr. Emmett S. Young, III

Senior Pastor, Gethsemane Baptist Church

Dear Gethsemane Family,

As we enter 2026, our church theme calls us to rise with renewed purpose and united strength: “All In!” This theme reflects a spiritual mindset, a commitment to walk in unity, faith, discipline, and devotion to God’s calling.

We are a Family of Faith Building the Kingdom of God and Acts 9:31 guides our direction: “Then had the churches rest… and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Our mission of Building the Kingdom is carried out through Evangelism, Discipleship, and Stewardship. These are the pillars that shape who we are and how we live out God’s purpose on this hill in Northwest Washington, DC.

Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual practices that draw believers closer to the heart of God. Throughout Scripture, God responds to those who seek Him with intentional devotion. Fasting is not simply the removal of food or comfort; it is an offering of the heart. It creates sacred space for clarity, renewal, and deeper fellowship with the Lord. Jesus Himself affirmed the spiritual value of fasting when He taught that some breakthroughs come only through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).

The Daniel Fast follows the example of the prophet Daniel, who sought God with humility, focus, and unwavering commitment (Daniel 10:2–3). Daniel’s fast was not motivated by ritual but by a longing to understand God’s will. His intentional separation from food and distractions positioned him to receive divine revelation. In this same spirit, we offer ourselves to God over these 21 days — presenting our minds, bodies, and spirits to be shaped by His presence.

Fasting deepens our spiritual sensitivity. It sharpens our discernment, strengthens our resolve, and uproots distractions that compete for our attention. In Scripture, fasting often precedes major decisions, prophetic clarity, deliverance, healing, repentance, and revival. As a church family, we fast together, believing that God will align us with His mission and empower us for the work ahead.

As Gethsemane Baptist Church embraces our 2026 theme, “All In”, we commit ourselves fully to God’s calling. This Devotional is designed to guide our congregation through Scripture, reflection, and intentional prayer. Each day highlights a biblical figure whose life models the themes that shape our mission: being All In, strengthening our Family of Faith, Building Up the Kingdom of God, practicing Evangelism, walking in Discipleship, and living as faithful Stewards of God’s gifts. May these next 21 days deepen your walk with the Lord and strengthen our unity as a family of faith, building up the Kingdom of God.

Our fast at Gethsemane will also be a 21-day fast (starting at 6:00 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2026, and ending 6 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026 where we will end the fast together with a “Break The Fast Communion Fellowship” at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. See the Zoom link information on the church’s website at www.gbcwdc.org.

This 21-Day Daniel Fast is a sacred opportunity for every believer in our congregation to grow spiritually, deepen their faith, and strengthen their connection with God and one another. As you seek God over these 21 days, I pray that your heart is renewed, your spirit is refreshed, and your commitment to Christ becomes stronger than ever.

May the Lord meet you in prayer, guide you through His Word, and honor your sacrifice during this time of fasting.

For Christ,

Rev. Dr. Emmett S. Young, III

Senior Pastor

Background

The story of the 21-day fast originates in Daniel 10, where Daniel mourned, prayed, and abstained from pleasant foods to seek spiritual understanding. Daniel was living in Babylonian exile — a foreign land with foreign gods — yet he remained steadfast in faith. His fast was not a physical diet but a spiritual pursuit. Daniel sought clarity about a vision God had given him, and his persistence in prayer demonstrated total dependence on God.

An angel later revealed that Daniel’s prayers were heard from the first day, but spiritual resistance delayed the manifestation (Daniel 10:12-13). This passage reminds us that unseen battles often surround our answered prayers. Fasting strengthens us during delays and anchors us in God’s timing. Daniel’s perseverance teaches us that a breakthrough is not always immediate, but God honors those who seek Him diligently.

Today, the Daniel Fast is used by believers seeking renewal, breakthrough, and deeper intimacy with the Lord. The traditional fast includes consuming only fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and water. More importantly, it requires a posture of humility, surrender, and intentional focus on God. At Gethsemane, we unite in this fast not out of obligation but out of expectation — believing God will meet us, mold us, and multiply His work through us.

Application for Today

The “Daniel Fast” is often used as a model for modern fasting. It typically involves 21 days of consuming only fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and water, mirroring Daniel’s self-denial of rich foods. The purpose is not just dietary but spiritual—to focus on prayer, humility, and seeking God. This 21-day fast in Daniel 10 encourages believers to deepen their connection with God, persist in prayer, and trust that God is at work, even in unseen realms.

Food - 21-Day Fasting – abstaining from food from the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and when eating, you follow the prescribed foods from the “Daniel Fast” listed above. Note: Those with dietary restrictions and/or medical issues can adjust fast accordingly. Please see the attached “Daniel Fast Food List.” For more information on foods accepted and to be abstained from. The book resource for the 21-Day Food Fast is “The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast” by Kristen Feola, or the website, https:/ultimatedanielfast.com.

Financial – 21-day Fasting – abstaining from extra purchases and shopping for items wanted, not needed. This fast focuses on watching how you spend your money and challenging the adherent to abstain from spending as a form of therapy/happiness. The focus is also on God supplying all your needs.

Technological – 21-day Fasting – abstaining from all forms of technological media between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., which includes social media sites (YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, etc.). There are too many to name! This also includes abstaining from internet sites (political and social), television, streaming, etc. The goal of this fast is to block out all extra “noise” in our work and social spaces, focusing on God's voice.

Please pick one option for fasting, or a combination (ex, food and technology). But we are asking all members of Gethsemane Baptist Church to participate. Start small and work your way through this. And remember, you are not alone. We are fasting and seeking the Lord together as a church body.

During the 21 days, we will continue to engage in our “Grace in the Garden” Corporate Prayer calls at 7:00 a.m., 12 Noon, and 7:00 p.m. On these calls, you can join and testify as to how the Lord is showing up in your fasting and dedication to Him. We love to hear how God is working in the lives of our members and community.