Fasting and prayer?

[Loboto-Me]

All over the Bible it tells us that fasting and prayer is very very good, Jesus did it all the time, many Bible characters did it. I fast during Lent, and I’ve discovered that Lent is one of my favorite times of the year.

I would like to learn how we must fast during ordinary times to prepare for prayer. I’m not talking about Fridays, but about fasting to help us communicate with God.

I’ve never done this, but have often wanted to but can’t figure out how to go about it. Do I fast just for that day? Do I just miss a meal and pray while I’m hungry? Do I go on an extended fast? Do I eat anything at all other than water and bread?

 

[I_Thirst]

To get yourself reacquainted with fasting, I’d recommend The Spirituality of Fasting: Rediscovering a Christian Practice.

I’d be moderate about getting into fasting. Don’t jump into too strict of a practice. Wednesday is also a traditional day of fasting for Christians. Fridays recall the Crucifixion, and Wednesdays the betrayal by Judas.

You can fast from a meal, such as breakfast, or you could follow the Roman Catholic guidelines of one regular meal with two smaller meals that don’t exceed one regular meal. You could also abstain from certain foods, like the Friday practice of abstaining from meat (and extend it to Wednesday or another day).

Prayer is important while fasting – and so is almsgiving. I try to take the money I would have used for food for that meal and give it to the poor.

Some extend fasting towards other non-food areas, such as TV, computer, etc, but I’ll leave that to others who practice it.

If you have a spiritual director, this would be a good thing to discuss.

 

[Loboto-Me]

Thank you IThirst, I’ve put the book on my Christmas Wishlist I’d forgotten about Wednesday fasts because I’ve never practiced it. That might be a nice way to start with the deepening of my faith.

 

[I_Thirst]

Thank you IThirst, I’ve put the book on my Christmas Wishlist I’d forgotten about Wednesday fasts because I’ve never practiced it. That might be a nice way to start with the deepening of my faith.

You’re welcome!

Perhaps check your local library too?

 

[LSG]

Catholic fasting is a precious and beautiful gift which helps us to become closer to God during prayer and more willing to embrace and follow His Will.

Holy Mother Church has blessed us with many beautiful opportunities to fast, with humility and grace and without drawing undue attention to ourselves or negatively affecting our health- Fridays, Lent, Advent, Ember days, and just because we love Jesus.

Many Holy Saints have given us examples of how to lovingly make sacrifices, according to our state in life, for the sake of our salvation and that of others.