Fasting

[Thomas2618]

I would like to start the practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays, as the BCP lays out can be done. It seems like a very beautiful practice that I think I could gain a lot from. However, when I have tried it so far, I have had trouble making it a spiritual experience for myself, and I have felt like by doing it, I was only proving to myself that I could.
Any suggestions, history of the practice, or other helpful information is appreciated.
Thanks.
God's Peace,
Thomas

[PaladinValer]

Just remember that fish isn't considered meat.

I would suggest pancakes/french toast/waffels with eggs, fruit, and juice or milk for breakfast.

Lunch could be a lovely tuna salad

Dinner should be a traditional fish fry.

[Thomas2618]

I know that fish doesn't count...but I'm not a seafood person usually (unless I splurge and get some cajun salmon at Red Lobster).
I've seen where the BCP talks about fasting, but could you explain where the practice comes from...like who started it and if there are any specific devotions or something for a day when I fast by abstaining from meat. Info like that...

[PaladinValer]

It stems from OT practice.

A traditional fast is actually declining all foods from sunrise to sunset. Water is fine. During hours of darkness, you may eat as you like, but meat is not an option. Sundays, since they are always feast days, are always an exception.

During the time, one is supposed to meditate on the Holy Mysteries. This can be done by reading Scripture, finding inspiration in the Church Fathers, or going to church services, especially for the hours (in the Episcopal Church, many parishes have Morning, Noontime, and Evening Prayer sessions, sometimes including the Eucharist). If you wish, you could also spend time with the rosary or prayer rope. Chanting...even certain exercises are useful (yes, there is a historical Christian equivalent of yoga).

Of course, the diet I've given isn't necessary. Feel free to change it to suit your needs. One arrangement could be a complete abstination from meat but also reducing your meal size by half and allowing only water as your drink during daylight hours and you may still have a full regular dinner (without the meat, of course). Or, you could go strict vegetables and fruit with water until dinner. It is really up to you.

[Thomas2618]

Thank you. That helps a lot. I like the idea of using fasting on fridays as a way to get into the habit of praying the rosary(I love the rosary but never pray it for some reason). Christian yoga? I've heard of it but I know nothing about it. Any sites you can link me to?
God's peace,
Thomas

[PaladinValer]

It isn't actually called "Christian yoga," but it is a Christian equivalent to it.

It started in the Eastern part of the Church. I would recommend asking in TAW about it to get more information.

As for the Rosary, I use both the Anglican and Marian Rosaries. The Anglican Rosary I use two different petitions (obviously the Marian Rosary is used to petition St. Mary the Theotokos). One is a Celtic prayer in honor of the Blessed Trinity. The other is a combination of the Trisagion and Jesus Prayer, which is absolutely awesome for penitential purposes.

It is also made better at least for me when I recite it in front of my Christ Pantocrator (Sinai) icon. Do that once a day for a week...it will blow your mind away.

[Father Rick]

There is signficant teaching in scripture about fasting.

Basically, it is denying oneself in order to seek the things of God. You will find that in scripture fasting is ALWAYS accompanied by prayer. So one is not simply "not eating", but rather replacing natural things with spiritual-- praying instead of eating.

Much like physical exercise, spiritual disciplines such as fasting don't often "feel' so great at the moment, but their ongoing practice results in much benefit. As one applies the disciplines to one's life, one will appreciate the end result much more than the actual experience/discipline.

[Naomi4Christ]

One thing to remember about fasting is that you are doing it for yourself and not for God.

[Monica, child of God]

I've seen where the BCP talks about fasting, but could you explain where the practice comes from...like who started it and if there are any specific devotions or something for a day when I fast by abstaining from meat. Info like that...

The Wednesday and Friday fasts are recorded in the Didache as an ancient Christian practice

Be careful not to schedule your fasts at the times when the hypocrites fast. They fast on the second (Monday) and fifth (Thursday) day of the week, therefore make your fast on the fourth (Wednesday) day and the Preparation day (Friday, the day of preparation for the Sabbath-Saturday).

The Didache dates to around 50 AD.

We remember Wednesay, the day Jesus was betrayed, and Friday, the day of the Crucifixion. Those are the themes we meditate on to make our fast spiritual as well as corporeal. Reading the appointed Gospel and Epistle and the writings of saints is a good practice. On Friday it is helpful to pray the 6th Hour which includes this:

O God and Lord of Hosts and Author of all creation, Who through the tenderhearted compassion of Your incomparable mercy sent down Your Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the redemption of our race, and by His precious Cross destroyed the handwriting of our sins, and thereby triumphed over the princes and powers of darkness; O Lord, Who loves mankind, accept also these thanksgivings and prayers of us sinners and deliver us from every dark and deadly transgression, and from all enemies, both visible and invisible, who seek to do us harm. Nail our flesh with the fear of You, and incline not our hearts to evil words or thoughts, but wound our souls with Your love, that ever looking to You, and guided by Your light and beholding You, the unapproachable and everlasting light, we may ascribe to You unceasing praise and thanksgiving; to the Father Who has no beginning, together with Your Only-begotten Son, and Your all holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

In the East, we abstain from meat, fish, dairy, oiive oil and wine on most Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as several other major penetential days and seasons. (http://www.oca.org/ocfasting.asp?SID=8)

Hope this helps.

Monica

[AngCath]

Remember that fasting is not just "not eating" because all that is is bad dieting. Yes, abstain from food or certain kinds of food depending on what you are led to do, but you need to remember that fasting is first and foremost a spiritual endeavor and should be filled with prayer. For me, when i'm in a period of fasting I replace the meal with devotional reading followed by prayer. For example, I'll read from St. John of the Cross. Let the Holy Spirit guide you on this matter.

[karen freeinchristman]

One thing to remember about fasting is that you are doing it for yourself and not for God.
That makes it sound really selfish, and I don't think that it is meant to be that way. I would think (and I'm not experienced) it would be a good way to enable God to work through you, or to guide you in some way. As it is spiritual, and should always be accompanied by prayer, it can't be simply 'for yourself', surely?

[pjw]

fasting should always be a spiritual thing, not just a physical one. not just abstinence from food, but spending time in prayer, reading of scripture, meditation on God's Word, being encouraged by the writings of other great Christians, &c. &c.

[Fish and Bread]

One thing I usually don't see brought up that I find useful is the idea of fasting as a form of meditation. During Lent last year, I decided to not eat red meat on Fridays until Easter. I also particularly made an effort to eat fish. It wasn't about the quantity of food I took in or even the quality, I ate a lot and a lot of it was food I really enjoyed, but everytime I'd get a big fish sandwhich at Burger King or something, I'd be stopping to think about the passion and being part of a tradition that spans around the globe and to the beginnings of time. That was pretty cool and very spiritual and it wasn't really denying myself, though I guess it was a bit inconvienent -- basically, it was about bringing my thoughts around to Jesus and my fellow Christians one day a week by doing something fairly traditional that focused my thoughts on the mystical body of Christ. Fish is an important symbol in the bible -- there is the miracle of the loaves and the fish, the Apostles were fisherman who became fishers of men, etc. Even though that wasn't the original intent of the Friday fast (Which originally didn't even allow fish and now doesn't have to include them), it's a powerful bit of symbolism. :)

[Thomas2618]

Thank you all so much for your helpful answers.

That makes it sound really selfish, and I don't think that it is meant to be that way. I would think (and I'm not experienced) it would be a good way to enable God to work through you, or to guide you in some way. As it is spiritual, and should always be accompanied by prayer, it can't be simply 'for yourself', surely?

I think that Naomi was trying to say that fasting is not something that is done just to be done by us to simply please God, but that it is to be something more - something that we can grow from ourselves. I guess to sort of make it a discipline of the mind and not just the will and stomach.


Does the BCP have any specific prayers for a time of fasting?

[Wiffey]

Eastern Orthodox fasting (which I used to do) would include...abstaining from meat, eggs, dairy & olive oil, Confession, prayer (personal devotions), regular evening prayer services, avoiding worldly things (like TV & movies), and celibacy. It was a LOT, and Lent was pretty miserable when I would try to do it all.

I like moderation...no meat on Fridays, increased prayer (like the Daily Office), an effort to be mindful about avoiding temptation, and volunteer work to serve the community.

The important thing is to get into the spirit of offering oneself up to God, as opposed to obsessively trying to follow rules. If fasting makes you cranky and you end up being a sourpuss to everyone you meet, that is sort of counterproductive.

[Monica, child of God]

Eastern Orthodox fasting (which I used to do) would include...abstaining from meat, eggs, dairy & olive oil, Confession, prayer (personal devotions), regular evening prayer services, avoiding worldly things (like TV & movies), and celibacy. It was a LOT, and Lent was pretty miserable when I would try to do it all.

It is a lot and only monastics are expected to do it all consistently. Laymen adjust thier fast (with the guidance of their spiritual father) so that it is a challenge, not a hardship.

increased prayer (like the Daily Office), an effort to be mindful about avoiding temptation, and volunteer work to serve the community.

The important thing is to get into the spirit of offering oneself up to God, as opposed to obsessively trying to follow rules. If fasting makes you cranky and you end up being a sourpuss to everyone you meet, that is sort of counterproductive.

I totally agree.

M.