Fasting

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Hey there. I’m a college student that is struggling to get a better relationship with God, straighten myself up. I was thinking that maybe fasting would help this a little bit. I don’t mean like one meal a day, I mean, maybe just water for a week.

In the past I’ve tried to go a few days like between Holy Thursday and Easter, but its just hard cuz people always want you to eat, but I got the feeling that I was getting somewhere…

Would this be a good idea to sort of help along my progress, maybe a spiritual slap in the face?
 
Why not fasting one day a week, like on Friday? This way it helps to keep your eyes on Jesus all year long, rather than just during the Easter week. Then during Easter week, you could do something extra special.
 
well, yeah, I don’t mean just do it on Easter, I mean fast for a week or two now, and then I could continue to do it on Fridays or something…I’m just wondering if thats a good idea, or any ideas to supplement it
 
tornadoes2 said:
well, yeah, I don’t mean just do it on Easter, I mean fast for a week or two now, and then I could continue to do it on Fridays or something…I’m just wondering if thats a good idea, or any ideas to supplement it
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All I can say is that you’re a stronger man than me if you can fast two or more days.

I’ve seen a minister taught how he can fast for 21 days and gave instructions on how to do it. I’d certainly recommend finding out how to do it safely.
 
Just water for a week? :bigyikes:

I don’t think even most of the greatest saints were quite so extreme. And it has been known to lead to serious eating disorders.

Firstly I would advise something a little less strenuous, at least to start. Another option is to ‘fast’, but not from food or drink (which, after all, you need to live) but perhaps from something pleasurable that you’re devoting too much time to - TV, computer and so on.
 
It is really easy when undertaking a fast like that to be doing it for prideful reasons. I know. I’ve been there before.

I’d start with something smaller, think baby steps. Pray the rosary every day and take either a complete or standard fast on Fridays. Get a good book to read and pray over, one that pertains to your particular failings. Read the mass readings every day. See where you are in a few months.
 
thanks for the links

actually i don’t think i want to do it for prideful reasons…I’d love not to tell anyone, but there are a few key people I would let know, so they know why I’m not eating. I just get the feeling that this would be a good way to help me get closer to God.
 
Fast, Pray and Almsgiving…very biblical and some would think only for Lent.

I like a posters suggestion of fasting on Fridays with a Rosary everyday. You can also give extra money to the church, CAF or another non-profit organization.

When people give you food, you must take it. They don’t need to know that you are fasting. You must take what they offer you because charity trumps your fast.

Instead of fasting from food for two weeks try fasting from other things…tv, sleeping less, computers, judging others, angry actions, pessimism, worring, complaining, negatives, bitterness, self-concern, discouragement, lethargy, gossip, etc…

or anything else you have trouble with!😃 Fill anything you fast up with good works or prayer.👍
 
Well, yes, I would love to fast from all those negative things, that lists pretty much nails it. What I’m looking for is someway to help me get closer to God. Of course, Mass, confession, Rosary, but something of a wake up call, to make me make a serious decision to change, not just go to confession every week and do all the same things, and feel the same way.
I was thinking going to a retreat, but I don’t know, I have a feeling if I only go on a weekend retreat I will just flake out after I’m back home, and I don’t have too much time to do anything else. Maybe someone could suggest a few?
 
Just one thing: do not under any circumstance go ahead with this without talking to a spiritual adviser who can be a companion to you while you fast.

Don’t even be tempted to follow the guides recommended in this thread as a do-it-yourselfer if you want to benefit spiritually yourself and the whole Church.

:blessyou:
 
I agree w/ previous posters, start w/ baby steps! Fasting for days can have a negative impact on your studies!!! Growing in the spiritual life is always done w/ baby steps.
 
Baby steps can be hard to accept when we want an instant conversion. This a great time to grow in patience and humilty. Praying for temperance (self control) and wisdom will also help.

Retreats are always a great way to jump start anything. You would have an advisor at a retreat. The Jesuits do a weekend, 7 day and longer retreat. You would have to search on the web for a retreat center near you.

About the spiritual advisor, they are hard to find. Try going to a priest consistantly and he will get to know and be able to guide you.
 
tornadoes2 said:
Hey there. I’m a college student that is struggling to get a better relationship with God, straighten myself up. I was thinking that maybe fasting would help this a little bit. I don’t mean like one meal a day, I mean, maybe just water for a week.

In the past I’ve tried to go a few days like between Holy Thursday and Easter, but its just hard cuz people always want you to eat, but I got the feeling that I was getting somewhere…

Would this be a good idea to sort of help along my progress, maybe a spiritual slap in the face?
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Just water would be a bad idea for a student in college. You need you’re strength and mental clarity to get through your studies the best you can.

Start small. Fast doesn’t necessarily mean food. You can fast from TV, movies, going out at night, or even make a day of silence. Speak only when necessary. No idle chat.

If it’s food, abstanence can be just as good as fasting. Give up your favorite snack.

But don’t give up eating for a week.

Jim
 
tornadoes2 said:
Hey there. I’m a college student that is struggling to get a better relationship with God, straighten myself up. I was thinking that maybe fasting would help this a little bit. I don’t mean like one meal a day, I mean, maybe just water for a week.

In the past I’ve tried to go a few days like between Holy Thursday and Easter, but its just hard cuz people always want you to eat, but I got the feeling that I was getting somewhere…

Would this be a good idea to sort of help along my progress, maybe a spiritual slap in the face?
Click to expand...
As an RCIA Candidate, I don’t suppose I am required to do that stuff yet. In fact, being 62 years old, I really am not required to fast at all. 😃

But I have decided to do abstinence of Fridays and fasting on Saturdays.

HELP! Does that Saturday fast also require abstinence? Just fish and that sort of stuff?

I find I can do well on that one fast day only per week, dedicated to Mother Mary and the souls in Purgatory. And I could stand to lose weight anyhow.

BUT…my Physician does NOT want me to lose more then one pound of weight per week, so I must remember that, even in fasting, moderation is a virtue. (Another opinion of mine, not endorsed by the cats:rolleyes: )
 
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