What is a true fast approved by God? The Shepherd tells us:

[avemariagratiaplena]

The Shepherd of Hermas when Jesus tells Hermas how to truly fast:

“This fasting,” saith he [Jesus], "if the commandments of the Lord are kept, is very good. This then is the way, that thou shalt keep this fast which thou art about to observe. First of all, keep thyself from every evil word and every evil desire, and purify thy heart from all the vanities of this world. If thou keep these things, this fast shall be perfect for thee.

"And thus shalt thou do. Having fulfilled what is written, on that day on which thou fastest thou shalt taste nothing but bread and water; and from thy meats, which thou wouldest have eaten, thou shalt reckon up the amount of that day’s expenditure, which thou wouldest have incurred, and shalt give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to one in want, and so shalt thou humble thy soul, that he that hath received from thy humiliation may satisfy his own soul, and may pray for thee to the Lord.

“If then thou shalt so accomplish this fast, as I have commanded thee, thy sacrifice shall be acceptable in the sight of God, and this fasting shall be recorded; and the service so performed is beautiful and joyous and acceptable to the Lord.”

1. to abstain especially from evil on that day (at least Wednesday and Friday per the Didache) and the things of the world
2. bread and water only (possibly only after sunset, one meal) and give price of food you would’ve eaten to the poor

This is acceptable to God and would be good if we all could do it. Wednesday is the last day of this month, no better time to begin

 

[Katie777]

Yes and people forget about Wednesday. We fast on bread–it Rises----.and water.

Very correct…and then 1 meal.

You know now it is called intermittant fasting for other reasons.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

This is acceptable to God and would be good if we all could do it.

Agreed, but let’s remember that “acceptable” and “good” are neither the same as required nor mandated. Just pointing this out for anyone reading who might wrongly assume this is the only way to fast or a directive from God or the Church about fasting.