I invite you therefore, in the name of the Lord,

to observe a holy Lent

by self-examination, penitence, prayer,

FASTING, and almsgiving,

and by reading and meditating on the word of God.

(Exhortation from Ash Wednesday Service, BAS pg.282)

 

Fasting is perhaps the best-known practice associated with Lent. People often give up, coffee, plastic, alcohol, chocolate, meat or social media, among other things for the 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Fasting can look like a lot of different things: a partial fast (whether over a week or a day), or a complete fast. 

One fast is not better than another. The point of fasting is not a kind of spiritual Olympics – being the most deprived or the most long-suffering. The point is, I think, to take stock of the relationships in our lives. It is about saying no to one thing to say yes to something else – making space for what brings life. 

For that reason, fasting is often associated with other disciplines in Lent. If one fasted from social media, that might give more time for prayer or family. If one fasted from a certain food, it might give opportunity to be intentional about what is eaten, or to think of those who go without. 

In a culture of immediate gratification, fasting can be a very powerful spiritual discipline. 

How will you practice fasting this Lenten season? 

Maybe, during Lent, you can try to reduce the amount of plastic that you buy at the grocery store. Maybe you can give up a tasty treat one day a week. Maybe you can try fasting from judgement, or hurting words. 

This week, I invite you to give something up. To say no to one thing so that you can say yes to something else – to say yes to God. 

Thanks be to God!

 

CG+