Fasting is voluntarily
abstaining from food for a specific period of time for spiritual purposes. Closely related to fasting is the practice of
abstinence, which is the abstaining from certain foods for a period of time. The idea of fasting and abstinence is all about
discipline and self-denial, learning how to say “no” to oneself, and focusing
on God. Fasting is always accompanied by
prayer.
In Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster writes, “In a culture
where the landscape is dotted with shrines to the Golden Arches and an
assortment of Pizza Temples, fasting seems out of place, out of step with the
times.” For this reason, the ancient
practice of fasting may be more important in our time than ever before. It is important to note that while fasting
may have some physical health benefits, it is primarily a spiritual exercise.
Before I describe how one
might fast it is necessary to note that fasting is not for everyone. For some with certain health conditions
skipping even one meal may not be advised.
However, one can still abstain from certain foods at particular times,
for example, giving up chocolate during Lent.
This is also sometimes called a partial fast.
Fasting is simply the skipping
of one or more meals. The “rules’ for
your fast are between you and God, unless you are part of a group that agreed
to a group fast. Some choose to allow
themselves juice during their fast, others do not. Some choose to fast a whole day or more. Some choose a “daylight” fast which, during
the winter months at least, would allow for breakfast and dinner at normal
times. A daylight fast is practiced by
Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
Because Ramadan is a lunar month it sometimes occurs during summer
which, in our part of the world, can make this fast very difficult. There is also a practice known as
“skip-a-meal” in which people skip one meal a week which, in addition to the
spiritual benefits of fasting, makes them more aware of world hunger and then
donate the money they would have spent on the meal to a hunger program. Anyway, like I said, the “rules” are up to
you or the people with whom you are fasting.
I have to confess, I am kind
of a weakling when it comes to this. My
fast is lunch one day a week, usually Tuesdays.
So, I would like to invite you, especially with Lent approaching to join
me in fasting at least one meal a week, or abstaining from a certain food for
at least one day a week. In fact, let’s
make it a “skip-a-meal” and donate the money to our Food Pantry. Let us fast and pray (and give) together and
see what God will do in us and in our churches.
