Fasting

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We’ve been told fasting and prayer are powerful. I’m curious how many out there fast on a regular basis and what effect fasting has on your spirituality. Could you describe your fast for those of us confused about the “may eat twice in addition to 1 meal, as long as those two ’snacks’ don’t add up to a full meal”.
I am looking for ideas to make fasting a more regular part of my life.
 
jasm said:
We’ve been told fasting and prayer are powerful. I’m curious how many out there fast on a regular basis and what effect fasting has on your spirituality. Could you describe your fast for those of us confused about the “may eat twice in addition to 1 meal, as long as those two ’snacks’ don’t add up to a full meal”.
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I believe that fasting is abstenance from anything… something that is very important to you. I fast by not eating/drinking (only water) anything from 12 at night to 6 in the evening… i have felt that my prayers become more powerful while i fast.
 
I try to give up something, even if it’s small, every day. Once in a while I will forget, but I try to make small sacrafices on a daily basis. Of course, I do the meatless thing on Fridays in Lent. This year, I’m also doing the St. Martin’s Fast - no pop between now and Christmas. I think it might kill me 😛 .
 
jasm said:
We’ve been told fasting and prayer are powerful. I’m curious how many out there fast on a regular basis and what effect fasting has on your spirituality. Could you describe your fast for those of us confused about the “may eat twice in addition to 1 meal, as long as those two ’snacks’ don’t add up to a full meal”.
I am looking for ideas to make fasting a more regular part of my life.
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I am in the process of learning to fast. As an RCIA Candidate, I probably am under no requirement to fast. Being age 62, I would not be required to fast anyhow.

However, I am now at the start of a 4 year program to join a Franciscan group. Even on non-fast days, I would be limited to two meals, dinner and supper, with no solid food otherwise.

I have started that. Two meals a day. I’ll do this for a few months under supervision of my physician.

NOTE: Fasting is not supposed to cause physical harm. That is overdoing it. Some hunger, yes. Inability to function properly, no.

Once I am sure that I can stay on the two meals a day diet, I may introduce the traditional fasts of one moderate meal and the two snacks. Again, under the supervision of my Physician.

How I am doing so far? Mildly hungry when I get up or go to bed, mildly hungry a couple of hours before the second meal. I may be loosing weight slowly. My physician insists that I not lose more then 2 pounds a week. I will be weighed at her office every MOnday.

But fasting seems to be, for me, a way to learn obediance, patience, and moderation. And to better apprieciate the food that I do eat.
 
Great post!

Regular fasting has definitely improved my prayer life. Thanks be to God! Actually, fasting and prayer together has definitely made me a better Christian husband and father.

Fasting is hard for me. Jesus, however, has lightened the burden through a special Rule of Life that He introduced me to. It is the Rule of 1221. St. Francis of Assisi proposed this Rule of Life to the laypeople of his day who desired to follow his shining example of holiness. Many saints throughout the ages have lived this Rule.

If you would like to learn more about fasting and the Rule of 1221 check out www.bspenance.org.

As far as current Church guidelines on fasting (1 full meal and 2 “snacks”), I follow them. For example, I’ll have a simple bowl of oatmeal in the morning, a bagel at noon, and a very simple dinner in the evening. Our Lady, in her messages at Medjugorje (sp?), recommends the bread and water fast (that is something I am working toward- only by the Grace of God).

What I like to keep in mind is SIMPLICITY. I desire a spirit of poverty and detachment from the things of this world. I always keep in mind how little the saints lived upon and how so many souls in today’s world live on so little.

I suppose, like St. Therese, the Little Flower, I desire that littleness.

I’ll pray for you as you consider adopting the holy discipline of fasting into your life.

God bless you!
 
Go_Irish said:
Great post!

Regular fasting has definitely improved my prayer life. Thanks be to God! Actually, fasting and prayer together has definitely made me a better Christian husband and father.

Fasting is hard for me. Jesus, however, has lightened the burden through a special Rule of Life that He introduced me to. It is the Rule of 1221. St. Francis of Assisi proposed this Rule of Life to the laypeople of his day who desired to follow his shining example of holiness. Many saints throughout the ages have lived this Rule.

If you would like to learn more about fasting and the Rule of 1221 check out www.bspenance.org.

As far as current Church guidelines on fasting (1 full meal and 2 “snacks”), I follow them. For example, I’ll have a simple bowl of oatmeal in the morning, a bagel at noon, and a very simple dinner in the evening. Our Lady, in her messages at Medjugorje (sp?), recommends the bread and water fast (that is something I am working toward- only by the Grace of God).

What I like to keep in mind is SIMPLICITY. I desire a spirit of poverty and detachment from the things of this world. I always keep in mind how little the saints lived upon and how so many souls in today’s world live on so little.

I suppose, like St. Therese, the Little Flower, I desire that littleness.

I’ll pray for you as you consider adopting the holy discipline of fasting into your life.

God bless you!
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Thank you for the link, it is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Also, I am very grateful for your prayers!🙂
God bless you!
 
I can’t say I fast from food or anything else on a regular basis except in Lent. I do every so often (say twice every three weeks) fast from food or other things (TV or internet for example) when I have a special intention in mind. Can be any day of the week except Sunday.

It does seem to help my spiritual and prayer life a lot when I do so - perhaps because it frees up a bit of time and energy.
 
I am not really comfortable going into a lot of detail about my personal spiritual life, but the medical requirements of my daily diet are so stringent it is a fast and a sacrifice. What I decided to do, under spiritual direction, is to actively express the intention of adhering to the diet, exercise and medication regimen prescribed by my doctor as an offering in union with the sacrifice of Christ. I make this part of my morning offering (as recommended by Matt Talbott, the Irish saint who conquered alcoholism in this way).

I incorporate the monastic approach to fasting, food and spiritual discipline (as described on other threads on this topic.) Margaret Funk OSB is one writer, there are other good ones, on discipline regarding the senses.
 
Andruschak said:
IHow I am doing so far? Mildly hungry when I get up or go to bed, mildly hungry a couple of hours before the second meal. I may be loosing weight slowly. My physician insists that I not lose more then 2 pounds a week. I will be weighed at her office every MOnday.

.
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Update on Monday, 20 November. 175-1/2 pounds. Still feeling moderately hungry a lot of the time, but I assume I can adjust to this. Donna (my Physician) will see me at 11:30 AM next monday for some simple tests and evaluation.🙂

As usual, none of this has impressed my three cats the slightest.😃
 
Fasting and abstaining are two different things.

Fasting is an absence of food or drink. To abstain is to choose not to eat a certain thing at a given time.

I abstain from meat on every Friday, regardless of the time of year. I can not fast because I get shakey and ill feeling (low blood sugar), but I will make a point to abstain from something on traditional fasting days when I can.

~Liza
 
I am now on day 5 of fasting from food and that does mean no food. On sundays I will also exclude water. I am haveing a lot of difficulty not thinking about food. I do have to admit it has helped with prayer also I am free of most of my serius addictions but every now and then I will watch tv and read food recipies caused by hunger. today is my first time haveing no bowl movement stomich is a little upset when I get up too fast I get very light headed also a miled head ach some boby achs and the shakes but I am pleased to no longer have gas or rumbling stomach some times I get cramps though. I am also proud to say that I am lousing anywar from 2 to 5 pounds every night somtimes I am too weak I have to drink juice to have energy. fasting has also helped with alergies and depression for the most part I feel grate when I am not thinking of food. fasting really is a grate gift from god it prevents desise cleans your body helps sperituly and mentaly but thease are some of the things to look forwared I would encourag any one to fast even if it is only for 3 days or even one. just think about it you will teach your self self controll to resist temptation you will share in christs suffering you will have more time to pray and as an added bonus it is the most healthy way to louse weight Plato use to fast because it makes thaughts clear and focused the whole world slows down you are seprat from it you are no longer goverend as much by time and you can take a brake from dishes.
 
twebb said:
I am now on day 5 of fasting from food and that does mean no food. On sundays I will also exclude water. I am haveing a lot of difficulty not thinking about food. I do have to admit it has helped with prayer also I am free of most of my serius addictions but every now and then I will watch tv and read food recipies caused by hunger. today is my first time haveing no bowl movement stomich is a little upset when I get up too fast I get very light headed also a miled head ach some boby achs and the shakes but I am pleased to no longer have gas or rumbling stomach some times I get cramps though. I am also proud to say that I am lousing anywar from 2 to 5 pounds every night somtimes I am too weak I have to drink juice to have energy. fasting has also helped with alergies and depression for the most part I feel grate when I am not thinking of food. fasting really is a grate gift from god it prevents desise cleans your body helps sperituly and mentaly but thease are some of the things to look forwared I would encourag any one to fast even if it is only for 3 days or even one. just think about it you will teach your self self controll to resist temptation you will share in christs suffering you will have more time to pray and as an added bonus it is the most healthy way to louse weight Plato use to fast because it makes thaughts clear and focused the whole world slows down you are seprat from it you are no longer goverend as much by time and you can take a brake from dishes.
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5 days without food? This is incredibly dangerous both physically and spiritually, and will result in permanent damage to your health. AND is absolutely not to be done except under spiritual direction - have you sought the advice of a priest or other qualified spiritual director before embarking on this?

All the saints who went to extremes in their penances did so only after careful consideration and under appropriate direction and supervision. Even so some were ordered to moderate their penances, and obeyed and did so (obedience being more pleasing to God than inflicting hardship upon yourself).

Even Jesus was accused of gluttony, so he clearly ate regularly to make the charge even thinkable, though it was a false charge. Please, for the love of God who created your body, loves it and doesn’t want you to needlessly damage it, eat something NOW!
 
LilyM said:
5 days without food? This is incredibly dangerous both physically and spiritually, and will result in permanent damage to your health. AND is absolutely not to be done except under spiritual direction - have you sought the advice of a priest or other qualified spiritual director before embarking on this?

All the saints who went to extremes in their penances did so only after careful consideration and under appropriate direction and supervision. Even so some were ordered to moderate their penances, and obeyed and did so (obedience being more pleasing to God than inflicting hardship upon yourself).

Even Jesus was accused of gluttony, so he clearly ate regularly to make the charge even thinkable, though it was a false charge. Please, for the love of God who created your body, loves it and doesn’t want you to needlessly damage it, eat something NOW!
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this has not been dangerous at all for me my body now has time to heal and I have more time to pray if god is willing I will acomplish 30 day fast just to answer your question I am now decerning the franciscan way of life I live with 4 priests and one brother and 4 sisters and a yuth minister I also am reciveing speritul direction and I know for a fact that 30 days will not harm or kill you unless you are ill or have a disorder thanks for being concerend for my well being and bye
 
twebb said:
this has not been dangerous at all for me my body now has time to heal and I have more time to pray if god is willing I will acomplish 30 day fast just to answer your question I am now decerning the franciscan way of life I live with 4 priests and one brother and 4 sisters and a yuth minister I also am reciveing speritul direction and I know for a fact that 30 days will not harm or kill you unless you are ill or have a disorder thanks for being concerend for my well being and bye
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You really think you can starve for 5 or 30 days and it not be damaging to your body? It certainly is - in so many ways you can’t possibly be aware of.

Have you discussed this practice with a properly qualified doctor or dietician? Have you been thoroughly tested to be sure you have no physical disorders of any kind? And been given the all-clear by a doctor to not eat for 5 days, let alone 30 days?

Failing in your bowel movements, for one example, puts you at a hugely increased risk of bowel cancer. That’s just one - there are effects on the liver, kidneys, brain, heart. All serious, some irreversible.

People DIE of extreme fasting every day - it’s part of the condition called anorexia. And if any priest or anyone has advised you that this is OK they are gravely mistaken.
 
twebb said:
this has not been dangerous at all for me my body now has time to heal and I have more time to pray if god is willing I will acomplish 30 day fast just to answer your question I am now decerning the franciscan way of life I live with 4 priests and one brother and 4 sisters and a yuth minister I also am reciveing speritul direction and I know for a fact that 30 days will not harm or kill you unless you are ill or have a disorder thanks for being concerend for my well being and bye
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You may live with 4 priest, 1 brother, 4 sisters and a youth minister, but have you told them EXACTLY what you’re doing to your body? And yes, 30 days without food could kill you, even if you’re healthy as a horse.
 
Update on 24 August 2007. I have slowly, slowly come down to 170 pounds. I still eat but two meals a day, dinner and supper. No meat or fish at supper. Abstain 4 days a week. No sold food between meals, but milk and other beverages OK. Sundays and solembities are not days of fasting or abstinance.

I am hungry much of the time, but that is now my normal state, and it is OK.

The two cats are still not impressed:rolleyes:
 
jasm said:
You may live with 4 priest, 1 brother, 4 sisters and a youth minister, but have you told them EXACTLY what you’re doing to your body? And yes, 30 days without food could kill you, even if you’re healthy as a horse.
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I have talked to a priest about it and he strangly advised me to go off the fast. once he knew how strict I was in only consuming water. I did this fast out whith out knowing the riskes and how to do it safely. many people have gone 30-40 days without eating. but this was done under close supervision by a pro like a higenest. also I live at 17,000 ft. the priest was actuly suprised I wasent caried out of here on a stretcher. because you get dehidrated easly here and I was doing hard work as well. I started to eat yesterday and am now comited to eat healthy my prayer life is much stronger and addiction have been broken I most certenly do not regret doing this. I now have good self control. so next time I will seek a pro for prolonged fastes. thank you for your concern you all might have prevented me from causing serous harm just so you know the sighns were alarming I almost passed out several times wed. my chest and sholders were weighted hart was beating fast pain in chest very sore and light headed. a 40 day fast can be done if done right but we will all leave that to the proes. thanks and bye
 
twebb said:
I have talked to a priest about it and he strangly advised me to go off the fast. once he knew how strict I was in only consuming water. I did this fast out whith out knowing the riskes and how to do it safely. many people have gone 30-40 days without eating. but this was done under close supervision by a pro like a higenest. also I live at 17,000 ft. the priest was actuly suprised I wasent caried out of here on a stretcher. because you get dehidrated easly here and I was doing hard work as well. I started to eat yesterday and am now comited to eat healthy my prayer life is much stronger and addiction have been broken I most certenly do not regret doing this. I now have good self control. so next time I will seek a pro for prolonged fastes. thank you for your concern you all might have prevented me from causing serous harm just so you know the sighns were alarming I almost passed out several times wed. my chest and sholders were weighted hart was beating fast pain in chest very sore and light headed. a 40 day fast can be done if done right but we will all leave that to the proes. thanks and bye
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Thanks be to God! :crossrc: You had me worried for a while there.
 
I highly encourage fasting, but there is a risk in being vain with how strict you are as well as being to superficial in how little you abstain from. Your body needs adequate water and some level of glucose to feed the brain. While fats can be broken down to use as energy, this still requires a fair amount of water so to help keep soften the blow on the kidneys. I would recomend 12-18 oz of applejuice daily with plenty of water. After the first 8 -10 hours, you have depleted most stored glucose and begin on fats.

I personally only strictly fast for two days as it is tough and I cannot function well at work. Remember, God knows of your internal suffering, whether you focused the fast on Him, the state of your heart, noone else does or should.

Enjoy your fast, but be safe, not scrupulous and be private, just as Christ encouraged us to be with prayer.
 
I have low blood sugar, so can’t strictly fast. I abstain from meat and “treats” on all Fridays. I basically stick with tuna, peanut butter, salad–that sort of thing.
 
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