Fasting
Fasting
Find the fullness of God in the midst of your emptiness.
Why go without on purpose?
As human beings, we already have all that we need in God. But it can be easy to believe that we need to accumulate and consume more in order to be fulfilled. Fasting refocuses our hearts, minds, and bodies; we go without food (or anything that can be a crutch) in order to make more room for God and embody our dependence on him. Fasting also deepens prayer, as it brings our whole self into our pursuit of God. Here are some practices that you can try out today, or plan for in the near future!
Level 1: Novice
Spend time slowly reading through Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Ask God to show you what scriptures will help you face the enemy’s temptations in your life.
Pick one night a week to go without screen time.
Fast from a meal with friends, and gather for a time of prayer instead.
Make a habit of praying the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian.
Level 2: Apprentice
Read Isaiah 58. Ask God to show you what it would look like for you to embody this new type of fasting. Identify an action you can take, and make a plan to carry it out.
On weekdays, cut something you enjoy from your diet— like meat, dessert, or junk food!
Pick one day a week to fast during breakfast and lunch, and spend that time “feasting” on scripture (start with Matthew 6 to hear Jesus’ heart behind fasting and our trust in God.)
Identify something that acts as a “crutch” in your life, like a show, a video game, or alcohol, and go without it for the month.
Level 3: Master
Read Zechariah 8. Prayerfully consider what it would look like to be a blessing to your neighbors through hospitality, celebration, and feasting in the way God’s people were.
Fast from all recorded music for the month, and find some live music to see instead.
Adjust your budget for the month! Skip expensive coffee, and give to a charity in your community.
Identify something for which you need God’s guidance. Take an intentional day or two to fast and pray, asking God to speak to your situation.