Fasting Q & A
Posted: 90 days ago
There are many questions about fasting. Some of the questions arise because it is not a typical practice for many Americans and, thus, we have little experience with this discipline. Our culture is one that, by and large, eats often and eats a lot. In the Dallas area, there are restaurants everywhere, and many of these are packed on a regular basis. Fasting challenges this way of living. More importantly, it offers the opportunity to draw us closer to God and to open our lives to the amazing work of the Holy Spirit.
The following Q & A answers basic questions regarding fasting.
- “What is fasting?”
To fast means to abstain from food and sometimes drink. This might mean giving up a single meal or abstaining from food for an entire day. I would encourage you not to give up water unless you are experienced in fasting and this is a regular discipline in your life. Even then, if you are planning to fast more than a day or two without water, you should consult your physician. - What kind of fast are we doing as a church during Lent?
We encourage everyone to try a 24-hour fast that gives up two main meals. For example: begin your fast on a Tuesday evening following dinner. Continue to fast from all food until the following evening. Remember to drink water throughout the day. - “How do I break a fast?”
If you skip a single meal, just eat normally after that. If you participate with us in a 24-hour fast, let your first meal be a little smaller than normal, filled with fruits and vegetables, and avoid foods containing a lot of saturated fat (e.g. burgers, pizza, or cheesecake). Consider options like a fruit smoothie, a grilled chicken breast or whole grains to break the fast. - “How do I use my time when I am fasting?”
Typically, a person spends a minimum of one hour every day engaged in eating. When that is taken away, this is the perfect time to devote oneself to prayer and reading the Scriptures. - “How do I do it in secret when the entire congregation is participating?”
When Jesus says we are to fast for our Father in secret, the point has more to do with not drawing attention to yourself. If you let everyone know how much you have been fasting and how hard it has been, but how you are being so faithful to God throughout, then that’s drawing attention to yourself. Jesus says to act normally. Basically, act like you are not fasting.In fact, it can be an encouragement for a husband and wife or a few friends to fast together. They can inspire one another throughout the day. They can look out for one another. That way, the wife won’t cook a wonderful meal for the whole family that would tempt the fasting husband or vice versa. They can instead do the fast together.
- “What if I am diabetic or have other health issues?”
You may want to consult your physician before attempting a fast. You may want to abstain from something else like television or the internet. For some, while you give up food, you may need to drink fruit juice or a smoothie during the day. Fasting should not be something that puts you at risk. A normal person can very safely fast, but if you have health problems, please be safe and wise about how you fast. - “What if I want to go longer than a day?”
People have fasted 40 days. If you believe you want to attempt a longer fast, here are some guidelines. *Remember that these are only guidelines; please do your own research and make sure you are comfortable with the fast.Example: I want to do a three-week fast.
Begin by fasting one day a week for a number of weeks and allow yourself to get used to fasting. Continue drinking water. This is like training. You do not want to just jump into a three-week fast.
Move on from there to a 36-hour fast. Continue to drink water during this time.
Wait a week. Now you are ready to try a three to seven day fast. Again, continue to drink water during this fasting period. It is especially important during this kind of fast to break the fast slowly, with small amounts of fruit or vegetable juice. By the second day, add in regular fruit, vegetables and milk. Slowly, continue adding more foods back into your diet, but avoid high levels of fat and processed sugar.
Do not try and store up food beforehand by overeating. Consider cutting out most caffeine at least a few days before the fast. Before doing this kind of fast, if you have any concerns about your health, please talk with your physician.
Your first fast will likely be your easiest. It will be new and exciting. As you practice this discipline more regularly, you will find it gets harder. The temptation will grow. You will find yourself needing to turn more and more to God and likely discovering just how much control food has over your life. It is a very good spiritual discipline with many benefits. It will be a wonderful experience for our whole church. If you have further questions, contact the Rev. Jason Bowman.