Fasting During Lent
Watch this video to see how Pastor Bryan explains fasting, why we fast, the theological underpinnings of the practice, as well as some helpful tips and tricks to bring to the discipline.
Fasting Guidelines
Decide on your fast by Wednesday 3/5 (Ash Wednesday).
Choose a day and fast on that day every week of Lent.
Always drink plenty of water while fasting (add a pinch of salt if you get headaches).
Dedicate fasting time to prayer, Bible reading, and worship On your fasting days, pray for your “ONE” (see below)
Beginner’s Fasting Pattern
Week 1: Fast a single meal on your chosen day. Freely drink fluids, prioritizing water.
Week 2: Fast a single meal on your chosen day. Drink only water.
Week 3: Fast two meals on your chosen day. Freely drink fluids, prioritizing water.
Week 4: Fast two meals on your chosen day. Drink only water.
Week 5: Fast the entire day from sunrise to sunset, Freely drink fluids, prioritizing water.
Week 6: Fast the entire day from sunrise to sunset, Drink only water.
Experienced Fasting Pattern
Weeks 1-3: Fast from sunrise to sunset, Freely drink fluids, prioritizing water. Weeks 4-6: Fast from sunrise to sunset, Drink only water.
Advanced Fasting Pattern
Weeks 1-6: Fast the entire day until sunset, Drink only water.
Alternative Fasting Options
For people with certain conditions or requirements, full day fasting can feel unsafe. Consider if Beginner’s Pattern Weeks 1 & 2 could work for you. If not, consider cutting certain things from your diet (refined sugars or meats). Finally, if none of these options suits your situation, you can fast from social media, music while driving, tv/movie/game, or other form of entertainment. *These should be used as a last resort as fasting is technically about depriving yourself of a physical need to prioritize spiritual growth.*
Questions about your “ONE”:
Who is your “ONE”?
Your “ONE” is one person in your life who you want to commit to praying for and building influence with. I’m not sure who your “ONE” is, but God knows... ask Him to put someone on your heart and then listen.
How can you build influence with your “ONE”?
You can build influence with your “ONE” by reaching out to them regularly, inviting them into your home, sharing stories with them, having meals with them.
How can you pray for your “ONE”?
Pray for them by name every time you fast. As you build influence with them, learn things you can pray for. Pray for their salvation, their families, their jobs, & their peace. Consider sharing with them that the Lord has laid them on your heart and you’ve been praying for them often.