This past Sunday, we talked about fasting. Fasting is an ancient practice often ignored today. So what is fasting, and how can I participate in this practice in such a way to connect with God?

GOAL

Our culture is all about indulgence. There’s pressure to have more to gain a good life. It’s all about comfort, gluttony, ease, and instant gratification. Jesus says the opposite. Whoever loses their life will find life. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. Fasting is a way to wean us off the cultural communication of pursuing pleasure and finding contentment through holiness and the peace of Christ. Fasting is challenging and goes against our normal way of living, but it’s a way to identify with Christ and focus on our relationship with Him. It’s not required, but it’s an ancient practice that can amplify our connection with Christ. 

HOW

Fasting involves setting aside a time to abstain from eating to bring your attention to Jesus. Remember the goal. It’s not about a restrictive diet. It’s not about a health trend of intermittent eating. It’s about finding a different focus and creating new patterns in our lives. Start by setting a time to fast. It’s typically 24 hours from sundown to sundown. Fasting typically allows drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the day, and ending the day with a humble meal in gratitude. Throughout the day, set aside the time you would normally eat to read the Bible and/or pray. When you feel the hunger pains or hear your stomach rumble, bring your attention to God. Ask Him to be your daily bread. This isn’t just something you try because it’s hard and you might just be hangry for the first few times. But as you continue to put this into practice, this can be a way to connect with Christ in a greater way. Don’t judge the experience; you are breaking patterns. It’s not going to be easy. Deny yourself. Offer yourself. Pray. Seek God and listen. 

WHEN

Pick a day during the week to do this ancient practice of fasting. Historically, people often fasted on Wednesday and/or Friday. This was a way to identify with the sufferings of Christ on the day He was betrayed and the day He was crucified. You don’t have to pick these days, just choose a day that works best for you. The goal is to build a rhythm in your walk with Jesus. Don’t just try it once or twice. Make this a consistent practice. It might be once a week or once a month. Pick a time that works for you. 

WHAT

What do I do when I am fasting? Fasting is a time to identify with Jesus and His sufferings. It’s denying ourselves and following Him. It’s taking the time we would normally spend shopping, cooking, and eating to slow down and connect with Jesus. It’s taking that time to pray, read the Bible, listen to worship music, seek God, and listen. Historically, people would fast from sundown to sundown. Typically, with fasting, you can drink water or other beverages to stay hydrated. Begin the day by asking God to fill you with His Spirit. Throughout the day, when you feel the hunger pains or hear your stomach rumble, bring your attention to God. Ask Him to be your daily bread. In 1 Corinthians, Paul says our body is a temple for God’s Spirit who lives in us if we put our trust in Him. Fasting is a way to get your body, mind and spirit in tune with God. It’s like cleaning out the temple as we move from self-indulgence to self-denial. 

RESOURCES

Videos about fasting from Practicing the Way - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6zls_4DoKIwEPaswOvpZUVK45P9bWHhn

Rule of Life Podcast - Practicing the Way 
Discussions about fasting and other practices. Find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Details here: https://www.practicingtheway.org/resources

Here’s an additional plan on fasting: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/56080