Fasting creates space–in our schedules and in our spirits–for meaningful encounters with God. About more than sacrificing food, it is also about eliminating distractions in order to seek God’s face and become more intimate with him. Fasting from a particular food may also be combined with abstinance from time-consuming or distracting activities like television or the internet.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18
A normal fast is one in which no food is consumed. Liquid including water, clear broths and pure fruit and vegetable juices are permissible. Avoid sweetened drinks or sweetened fruit juice.
A partial fast is one in which some foods and/or drinks are sacrificed. For example, processed foods, sugary foods, and caffeinated bevaraged or some other foods or drinks may be eliminated from your daily intake. A Daniel Fast is an example of a partial fast.
I know spiritual disciplines are not popular within the church of today. It goes against the god of comfort. But I ask you to stretch your experience into a realm that would require faith. The scriptures share that fasting brings reward. Don’t rob yourself from this LENT season.
What do you need to do to prepare:
1. Decide what how you are going to fast.
2. Decide the duration of your fast. (It does not have to last 40 days, take a step into a new experience)
Share your experience here!
PS: If you have kids, read this!!! Do not encourage your kids to fast! Instead lead your kids to:
1. Abstain from junk foods…only putting healthy foods in their body.
2. Abstain from media…using that time to do family devotions, pray, go on a prayer walk, do a prayer journal together…allowing children to color, draw and be creative in how they communicate with God instead of watching tv, videos, etc…
3. Go on a prayer walk each day as a family and assign the kids a neighbor or sibling or other person/event to pray for as they are walking.
My son, Jayke, found this really good website outlining information about a Daniel Fast. http://danielfast.wordpress.com/
So often we get caught up in the food issue–and rightly so, because a fast (in the purist biblical sense of the word) is always about food. However, we have to remember that the abstinence is for a spiritual purpose. Wait expectantly!
Only a Tool,
{:) Deedra
Thanks for the ideas to include our children. I am thrilled that my kids have learned to expect and look forward to Lent – they love watching the crosses ourside Aquia Church. I try to explain fasting to them. But I know it has to be applied differently for kids. I would love to hear even more ideas from other families as well.