Baseline practice: A weekly fast, sunrise to sundown (preferably Wednesday or Friday)

Fasting, very simply, is abstaining from food and drink (other than water) for a set period of time. As a spiritual practice, fasting trains us for holiness by training our appetites. We voluntarily forgo a legitimate need (food) to learn that we are not controlled by it. More than that, fasting is a way of praying with our bodies. Hunger and thirst become a place of transforming encounter with God.

Fasting

The Four Purposes of Fasting

01 | To offer ourselves to Jesus

Fasting enables us to know and love God not simply through our minds and hearts, but through our bodies.

02 | To grow in holiness

Fasting weans us from dependence on pleasure, reveals what is in our heart, reorders our desires, and draws on God’s power to overcome sin.

03 | To amplify our prayers

We deepen intimacy with God as we learn to recognize his voice amidst the noise and competing voices in our lives and respond wholeheartedly.

04 | To stand with the poor

Fasting is a practical way to practice biblical justice that can transform our lives and communities.

  • • What is one small step you can take to begin fasting?

    • Do you have any medical conditions to keep in mind?

    • What community could you invite to fast with you?

    • How can prayer become a complementary practice with your fasting?

    • How can service (especially to those in need) become a complementary practice?

  • Experience

    The Fasting Practice (a four session learning and practice experience from Practicing the Way)

    Read

    God’s Chosen Fast, by Arthur F. Wallis

    Fasting, by Scot McKnight

    The Spirituality of Fasting, by Charles M. Murphy

    Tony Evans Speaks Out On Fasting, by Tony Evans

    Listen

    Unforced Rhythms of Grace: Fasting (Bridgetown Church teaching, 2/12/24)

    Fasting & Feasting | Why Fast? (Soma Midtown teaching, 2/9/20)

  • • Use the money saved by fasting to serve those in need

    • Go on a spiritual retreat and fast while there

    • Fast for a longer period of time (perhaps for a week, or during daylight hours during Lent)

    • Invite your MC or discipleship group to fast together

Rule of Life