Meaningful fasts don’t have to be food-related
Photo by Rui Silva sj on Unsplash
When I was younger, I was very hard core when it came to the Lenten fast.
An altar boy for the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in downtown Honolulu, I abstained from meat during the week and didn’t eat anything on Ash Wednesday, Fridays in Lent, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
But fasting for the sake of fasting wasn’t ideal for my health—I have a blood disorder I learned about only after moving to Chicago—and the spiritual reasons for it were lost on me.
As I grew closer to my Reform faith, I’ve found more spiritually fulfilling fasts that were different than the rote act that comes with Catholicism—Roman, Anglican, etc.
First lesson: fasting during Lent doesn’t have to be limited to food.
The purpose of fasting is to detach from distractions, grow in discipline, and draw closer to God.
While food may have worked for most people in the Middle Ages, in modern times fasting and abstaining from food might not be the most meaningful way to fulfill these things.
Here are some other meaningful things you could fast from during this Lenten season.
Technology and media
Social media – Cut down on scrolling and use that time for reflection, prayer, reading Scripture, or connecting with loved ones! Spend time with friends instead of real life.
Streaming services – Maybe don’t Netflix and chill. Replace binge-watching with spiritual reading or acts of service. Go volunteer at Care For Real or the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Secular music and podcasts – Choose worship music, hymns, or Christian podcasts instead just for the Lenten season. Go back to normal programming after Easter.
Unnecessary phone use – Limit mindless browsing and be more present with those around you.
Video games – Give up gaming and use that time for reflection or quality family time.
Habits and comforts
Complaining and negativity – Focus on gratitude instead. This is hard. I’m a complainer at work. This is the one I might end up doing this year.
Gossiping and unkind words – “I’m not a gossip… but did you know…?” You don’t need to share everyone else’s business, believe it or not! Make an effort to speak life and encouragement.
Procrastination – Be more disciplined and intentional with time.
Impulse spending – I know. I don’t need another blank notebook but I keep buying them! Cut out unnecessary purchases and donate what you save.
Using the snooze button – When Siri or Alexa starts beeping, get up right away and start the day! Do it with prayer. It can be simple like, “Thank you, God, for the day I’m about to have. Help me through the hard stuff that gets in the way.”
Physical and lifestyle changes
Excessive caffeine or soda – Uh oh! I love my ice cold Diet Dr Pepper every day. This is really tough, but giving up your caffeine addiction—yes, you ARE addicted—is a great way to exercise discipline.
Entertainment before bed – Swap TV or phone time with prayer or reading Scripture during Lent. I’ve decided this year to intentionally read the novelizations of Moses’ and Herod’s lives by the Queen of the Harlem Renaissance, Dr. Zora Neale Hurston.
Driving when you could walk – I love a good walk because it’s when I can have my conversations with God. Use the extra effort of walking to meditate or pray.
Elevators and escalators – I live in the fourth floor. That’s not many steps! Using the stairs is a small sacrifice that reminds you to offer daily discomforts to God.
Wearing your favorite clothes – So maybe I’m not asking you to wear sackcloth. Dress simply as an act of humility. No flashy colors. Kinda like our Puritan ancestors!
Spiritual Disciplines
Skipping daily prayer – Commit to structured prayer times. Do it at the same times every day. They don’t have to be really involved prayers, either. Just make sure they come from your heart and mean them.
Ignoring the Bible – Read a chapter or more daily. It doesn’t matter what Bible version you use. Might I recommend the Presbyterian Church (USA) Daily Prayer app?
Neglecting the Sacraments – Take Communion as often as possible. If your church does it monthly, do it monthly. If you’re Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, or Presbyterian and the Eucharist is offered weekly, do it weekly! The Eucharist is a seal of our covenant with God.
Lack of silence – Spend time in silence to listen for God’s voice.
Skipping almsgiving – Fast from selfishness by intentionally serving others. Email me if you need ideas of where to give your money, time, and talent.
The best fast is something that truly challenges you and helps you grow spiritually.
What stands out for you?
