Pray Eat Love & The "Daniel" Fast

Last Sunday I visited Empowerment Temple church in Baltimore.  During the service I learned that the congregation was preparing for a ten-day journey of prayer, fasting and spiritual enlightenment inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, "Eat, Pray, Love." 

I loved the idea of embarking on such a journey with the entire congregation and welcomed the idea of growing spiritually while improving my health. We were instructed to read Daniel (chapters 1-3), to participate in daily prayer calls with the Pastor and to abstain from eating meat, bread and sweets for ten days.  I remember thinking, "cool, not eating meat is no big deal for me and I'll even cut out caffeine."

I am now on day seven of the ten-day fast and will admit this is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I can be extremely focused and disciplined when I need to be and although I have not touched one drop of meat, bread or sugar since last Sunday, I am climbing the walls! I dream of buffet tables laden with rotisserie chickens, broiled salmon, freshly baked breads, CHEESECAKE and huge urns filled with piping hot COFFEE!!! I am literally counting down the days and have already started planning my first meal after the fast.  

The good news is that during this fast I have gained clarity on several issues I was struggling with, I've notice a huge difference in my energy levels and I believe I've lost a couple of pounds.  I will continue to be faithful on this journey...just four more days to go.  I feel so good that I've decided to continue the fast with a friend for the next couple of months or so.  We won't fast for ten days in a row but we have committed to fasting for three days in a row every week.  NO MEAT, BREAD, SWEETS OR CAFFEINE.

We're starting our three day fast on Tuesday, October 5th--Tues, Wed & Thurs.  We will repeat this sequence every week for the next few weeks and YOU are invited to join us!  This invitation is for the fast only--without the prayers because that's something personal you can do on your own but if you want to offer a prayer or two I'm open to that as I always welcome a good prayer.  :>)  If you want in, leave a comment to this post with your email address.  I'll keep in touch with you via email for support and accountability. Worst-case scenario: you'll lose a little weight, increase your energy and improve your health through discipline and fellowship.  Let's GO!