Christian fasting: why and how to practice it today?
Why do Protestants practice fasting?
THE Christian fasting is a spiritual practice deeply rooted in the Bible. Jesus himself has fast for forty days in the desert before starting his ministry (Matthew 4: 1-2). Today, Protestants practice fasting to get closer to God, seek His will and strengthen their faith. Fasting is often associated with prayer and repentance, as in the example of Daniel (Daniel 9: 3-5), where he seeks divine mercy. It is also a way to respond to spiritual crises or to request a divine intervention, as shown by the history of the inhabitants of Nineveh (Jonas 3: 5-9).
Differences between Catholic Lent and Orthodox Lent
THE Lent Orthodox is generally more strict than Catholic Lent. Orthodox churches impose significant food restrictions, including the abstention of meat, eggs, fish, oil and wine. On the other hand, Catholic Lent focuses on specific days like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday to practice fasting and abstinence. From a biblical perspective centered on the Gospel, the main objective of the fast is the repentance and the search for God rather than strict food rules (Isaiah 58: 6).
The spiritual advantages of the Christian fasting
THE Christian biblical fasting offer several spiritual benefits:
- Strengthen : Jesus teaches that certain spiritual battles require prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).
- Purify your heart : Fasting helps to focus on God by turning away from earthly distractions (Daniel 10:12).
- Seek humility : Esdras shows that fasting is a way to humble himself before God and seek his protection (Esdras 8: 21-23).
- Express repentance : Fasting is often linked to a deep desire for spiritual change and abandonment of bad ways (Jonas 3: 5-9).
These advantages allow believers to experience an inner transformation and to get closer to God.
How to practice fasting during Lent?
Practice Christian fasting during Lent can be done by following these steps:
- Prepare yourself spiritually : Pray to ask for help from the Holy Spirit before starting your fast.
- Choose an appropriate shape : This may include a complete or partial food fast, or even a fasting of activities such as social networks.
- Associate prayer and meditation : Spend time reading the Bible and pray to stay spiritually connected.
- Put the accent on repentance : Use this time to confess your sins and renew your commitment to God.
- Finish with gratitude : Thank God for his management and his provision after your fasting period.
The ecological impact of religious fasting
THE Religious fasting Can have a positive impact on the environment by encouraging responsible consumption. By limiting meat food or by adopting voluntary frugality, believers reduce their ecological footprint. Although this aspect is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, it reflects the principles of stewardship towards divine creation (Genesis 2:15). By living soberly during the fast, Christians also testify to solidarity with those who suffer from hunger in the world.
Sources used
- Christian Pure – Biblical verses on fasting.
- Wikipedia – Differences in Lent practices.
- Hozana – Spiritual advantages of Christian fasting.
- The pilgrim – Practical advice for fasting during Lent.
- Catholic Church – Ecological impact of religious fasting.
