On Fasting Monday we invite you join us in choosing something to fast from. Give time and attention to Jesus in place of the thing(s) you are fasting from.
Daily Completely Dependent Prayer Prompt:
Read Joel 2:12-13.
In our pursuit to be “completely dependent” on and “wholly devoted” to God, Holy Spirit invites each of us to pray this bold prayer adapted from Joel 2:12-13:
God, I turn to you now.
I give you my heart.
I come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
My heart is broken.
I turn to you, Lord my God,
for you are merciful and compassionate.
You are slow to anger and filled with unfailing love.
Ask God to show you how to fast today, and pray expectantly to be aware of His presence each time you make this small sacrifice.
Fasting Ideas:
Historically, fasting has always been associated with abstaining from food for a designated period of time. So if your health and the other factors of your life allow you to fast from food to some degree, then we encourage you to do so. But for some, fasting may not be viable or wise due to health or other reasons. Consequently we have collected some alternative fasting focuses below.
Fasting from food: Choose to fast from one or two meals. If you choose to fast for 24 hours, it is often best to start at dinner the night before and continue to the following dinner. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and it may be a good idea to avoid coffee or other non-caloric drinks that may upset the stomach. Break your fast gradually with small amounts of food that are easy to digest.
You may want to pray, read your bible, etc., during your lunch hour or other times you would normally eat.
Fasting from caffeine: If coffee or other forms of caffeinated beverages are a regular part of your rhythm, it may be a good idea to fast from caffeine for a day. Make sure to drink plenty of water. And you might consider taking a breath prayer like “Jesus I present myself to you” when you feel tired throughout the day.
Fasting from entertainment: You may also consider fasting from screen time and other entertainment content as your fasting focus. Consider logging off of social media accounts, keeping your phone off of your physical person, and turning off the radio/music etc. when driving in the car. In those spaces, you can ask God to help you be present with Him and to your experience of life in the present moment. Listen to the sounds around you, become aware of how you are carrying your body, pay particular attention to the people around you.
Click here for some additional thoughts on fasting that may help direct your practice!