What is Fasting, anyway?
I was grateful to have someone ask me this question a few days ago. Sometimes we assume that everyone knows what we’re talking about in the church, and questions like this help us see the assumptions we are making about what everyone knows.
To “fast” is to intentionally refrain from doing something. Usually when we talk about fasting we are talking about fasting from food, or from certain kinds of foods. You may be familiar with the idea of fasting from meat on Fridays, which is a practice of the Roman Catholic Church. Lutherans fast too, but we don’t set up the same kind of rules around it.
There are a few ways to think about fasting:
Abstaining from meat on Fridays. This is a practice of the Roman Catholic Church, but some Lutheran’s do this as well. We don’t set up the same kind of rules about fasting, so it isn’t required.
Giving up indulgences. Many people give up sweets or other favorite foods as a way of humbling ourselves.
Skipping meals altogether. Choosing to skip a meal on a regular basis and using that time for prayer is a good discipline.
Benefits
Fasting is a way of expressing repentance for sin.
Joel 2:12-13 — “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.”
Fasting develops self-discipline and reliance upon God.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 — “So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.”
It cultivates gratitude for what we otherwise take for granted. Yes, when you skip a meal you get hungry, but you are also disciplining yourself to remember that “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Consider how you will replace things that you are skipping, like foods, with things that will help you grow in faith, like prayer. Also remember that fasting is not a way to win God’s favor. And of course, if you are a child or elderly, you should be cautious about fasting and consult with a doctor if you have any doubts about your ability to undergo your chosen fast safely.
