Planning to Fast

Fasting involves voluntarily abstaining from food — or another activity that you typically enjoy — with a spiritual purpose in mind. It serves as a spiritual discipline aimed at seeking a deeper connection with God. One important aspect of fasting is the opportunity it provides for prayer and meditation on God’s word. Before you begin your fast, take a moment to define your method and create a plan to replace the time you would typically spend eating or engaging in that activity.

General Guidelines for Fasting (consult with your doctor before beginning a meal fast)

• No eating after 8:00 p.m.
• If not doing a meal fast, eat only a healthy diet consisting of the following food items: chicken, fish, fruits and fruit juices, vegetables, whole grain breads, pasta, and non-dairy products.
• No red meat
• No sweets
• No caffeine
• No carbonated beverages
• Add 15 minutes of some form of daily physical exercise

Prayer and Meditation on the Psalms

For the next forty days, specific psalms are assigned for reading in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. Occasionally, more than one Psalm is designated for each time of day. By the end of this forty-day period, the entire Psalter, which contains 150 Psalms, will have been read.

• The morning Psalms begin the day with praise and thanksgiving to God for who He is and what He has done.
• The midday Psalms acknowledge God as the source of wisdom, righteousness, and salvation and remind us of our need for Him.
• The evening Psalms petition the Lord for protection, remedy, forgiveness, or comfort so that we can close our day by looking to Him for those things which only He can provide and surrender to Him our shortcomings, fears, and deep disappointments.