If you’re honest, fasting likely isn’t something that gets you excited.

A single day of fasting is hard enough, but a six-week period of self-denial? No thanks! Perhaps this is one of the biggest hurdles for you to get over when it comes to embracing the Lenten season.

Hard as it may be, we must begin to see fasting as a foundational part of the Christian life. Without a rhythm of saying no, we will indiscriminately say yes to everything. Fasting teaches us the gift of limitations, the freedom that is found within healthy borders.

In fact, if we don’t fast, we’ll never learn to truly feast.

Culturally and materially, we live in a world of excess. We have more entertainment, food, and recreation than we know what to do with. As such, we often do our best to maximize our calendars and credit cards in pursuit of these various forms of pleasure. And while many of them may be harmless enough, and even life-giving, they fill us up to the brim, leaving no room for anyone, or anything else.

Fasting is therefore less about what you give up and more about what is gained when you create room for others. Limiting your food intake puts more money in your wallet that can be used to bless a friend or neighbor. Fasting from social media reminds you of the need for deep and embodied relationships. Simplifying your calendar creates space for you to silence the noise and distraction, so you can hear afresh from the Lord.

Fasting may be challenging at first, but press in and allow it to awaken you to the good life of God’s kingdom!

Prayer of the Week

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer for the Third Sunday in Lent

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