Fasting at Saint John's

What is Fasting?

In short, fasting means "not eating." This is built into our understanding of eating: the first meal of the day is breakfast - literally breaking the fast. But when Christians speak of fasting, we are speaking of an intentional act of both bodily and spiritual discipline. When Christians intentionally fast (go without food), they are participating in what Christ already did in the wilderness.

​

For most Lutherans, the idea of fasting is relegated to "giving something up for Lent." There is certainly nothing wrong with this sort of discipline, but it can become an over-spiritualizing of the Scriptures. If you want to give up video games for Lent, good and well. But that is not properly speaking "fasting."

​

Fasting, however, is not something that is only done during the 40 days leading up to Easter, it is also something that has historically been done at various times throughout the year. Here at Saint John's, at the very least we observe at least one fasting day per season (as well as the Lenten discipline). We have also had days of fasting and repentance during times of war, natural disaster, and crises in our community.

​

As a congregation, we are constantly asking more of Scripture and Tradition what is meant by "fasting," and we are finding that there are endless answers - many of them helpful.

​

Check back regularly on this page as more resources concerning fasting (both communal and private) will be posted.​​