Fasting for Purity - How do I start?

[vincenthwind]

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a good Christmas. In my stocking I found a pamphlet called “Pure Manhood” by Jason Evert. It was fantastic read and gave lots of great advice for staying pure. Luckily, I still have my gift of virginity, but in today’s world, it seems so easy to give it up. Therefore, I wanted to really go the extra mile in safeguarding my purity, and Mr. Evert recommended “fasting for purity.” But outside of Fridays and Ash Wednesday, I’ve never fasted. How do I fast? Is “fasting for purity” different from plain old fasting? Where do I even begin. All advice and prayer is greatly appreciated. God bless you all.

(Mods: I’m new to the forums, so if this is in the wrong place, just let me know/move it. Sorry for any inconvenience my newbie-ness causes. God bless your work.)

 

[SonCatcher]

In your stocking… “St. Nicholas” is out to protect your soul, eh?

You already know how to fast, as least as pertains to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. (one full meal and up to two snacks toat do not make one meal combined). The best question for your situation may be: how often and when to fast.

You should continue under the advice of a priest. As a start, I would think no more than one day per week, probably on a Friday. Remember to take into account your physical demands, however (if Friday involves athletics for you, you might need a different day). Alternately, you might modify your diet (e.g. abstaining from meat on all Wednesdays and Fridays) if there if no time you could fast and maintain your activities.

 

[fred_conty]

There are different ways to fast. Here is another one.

Reframe from food, drink, entertainment, from 12-3 pm each day in honor of Jesus’ 3 hour death on the cross.

Just a thought.

 

[red85]

As always, talk to your priest on such matters. I do believe there are particular groups that gather in and direct young people in “fasting for purity.” If not, talking to a spiritual director, a religious, or a tertiary would be prudent - either of these are an authority or are in frequent contact with an authority of sound mind and judgment in matters pertaining to faith, morals, and practices of faith.

 

[Windmill]

Some fast from everything but bread and water on Wednesdays and Fridays then eat a sensible dinner (IOW you are not simply making up for lost time when you hit dinner time). This mortification of the senses is a good start. Don’t get the fancy bread, just plain Jane. The idea is to master your lower appetites so that when you are strongly tempted in sexual ways you are better at self-mastery.

Fasting is a very traditional remedy that confessors throughout the ages have prescribed for purity.

 

[Domiy]

The best and most pure fast I ever did was a bread and water only fast. As the name suggests, you give up all other food or liquids except the basics of bread and water! Do that once a week if you can, I did it on Wednesdays. It’s a really great fast, you keep yourself pure and it really brings you closer to God, especially when you pray more the same day. Pray to God to accept your fast and offer it to Him in His name.

Just make sure you change your schedule accordingly. If I had work on a Wednesday, I wouldn’t fast since I do physical work which took a lot out of me (once even got to the point where I basically fainted due to a loss of energy and constant pressure on my body). Make it a day of relaxing for you if you can. This might be easier on the weekends if you work everyday during the week.

You can always just fast from meat as well, but I had the best experiences with a simple bread and water fast. It’s tough at first, but it’s worth it. If you’re finding it difficult, you can always put a little something on the bread. I used to dab on a tiny bit of butter or honey on the bread to make it a little easier sometimes, still counts lol