Fasting

Fasting is a willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. In a spiritual context, this fasting is meant to draw us closer to God. In those moments when we would normally be eating or drinking, or in those moments when we desire what we are fasting from, we turn our attention to prayer, Scripture, quiet reflection, and listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Fasting can be intimidating. Where do I start? What do I do? How do I do it? 

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of this site, to get started:

• Fast one or two specific days a week to reflect on what Jesus gave for us.

• Give up caffeine as a way to remember our sole dependence on God.

• Get up an hour early every day to spend time in prayer.

• Dedicate one evening a week to serving the least of these.

• Give up eating out/coffee runs and instead donate the money to a good cause.

• Give up TV or Social Media and use the time to invest in relationships.

• Keep a journal and reflect on the ways in which the Cross and Resurrection impacts your story.

• Read through the four Gospels and focus on the themes of repentance and forgiveness.

• Find one possession a day that you don’t actually need and donate them all at the end of the season.

And check out this great article about why we fast: Lent is About Space