How to fast properly for the spiritual benefits?

[AKDee]

I know that in the NT, Jesus said “when you fast”, and obviously we are supposed to fast occasionally. I do fast out of obedience for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. And I do abstain or do some sort of penance on Fridays. But I do this out of obedience, alone.

I practice a form of intermittent fasting already for health reasons. I understand the health benefits, the mental clarity, etc. that fasting provides.

But when it comes to fasting for spiritual reasons, I feel dumb. I don’t have a clue how to do it. I’m certain there’s more to it than merely not eating. Do you fast for a particular purpose? When do you pray? What do you pray for? I would like to incorporate fasting into my life for spiritual reasons, but I need a starting point. I’m going to ask my priest because I’m certain he practices fasting, but was hoping also to get some advice from people here who fast.

 

[drac16]

You can fast from almost anything. It doesn’t have to be from food and drinks, but it most often is. It can be a fast from alcohol, anger, watching sports, pornography, coffee, shaving your beard, swearing, etc. Right now, God is having me fast from buying things at a local convenience store. I spend too much money buying snacks and soda there, so I’m fasting from it.

Prayer while fasting is a common practice. I feel that my prayers are strengthened when I happen to be fasting. Fasting makes the prayers more intimate, 'cause I’m crying out to God in pain. That’s what fasting is; it’s about teaching you self-control. When you fast, make sure to pray a lot. Those prayers are strengthened with your fast.

 

[pianistclare]

Fasting is fasting.
It clears your head.
It makes it easier to focus at Adoration.
You can’t really “do it wrong” … be at peace.