WE ARE PRAYING 3 TIMES A DAY FOR THE NEXT 40 DAYS IN THE ZOOM ROOM

6 AM

12 PM

6 PM PST

The history of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and penance in Christian tradition, dates back to the early days of the Church. This period of preparation leads up to Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent is observed by many Christian denominations, including Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Methodists, among others. Its practices and length have evolved over time, but its core purpose of repentance, reflection, and preparation remains.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline found in many religions, including Christianity, where it serves as a time of intentional focus on prayer, penance, and deepening one's relationship with God. While fasting practices can vary widely among different Christian denominations and individual believers, here are some general instructions and principles to consider:

 1. **Set Clear Intentions**

- Begin with a clear purpose for your fast. This could be seeking guidance, repentance, spiritual renewal, or intercessory prayer. Setting your intentions will help guide your fast and keep you focused.

2. **Choose Your Type of Fast**

- **Absolute Fast:** Abstaining from all food and drink for a specific period. This type of fast should be done with caution and typically for short periods.

- **Partial Fast:** Giving up certain types of food or meals. For example, you might skip meals during daylight hours or abstain from specific foods like meats and sweets.

- **Daniel Fast:** Based on the prophet Daniel’s fasting experiences, this involves eating only fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, avoiding meats, sweets, and bread.

- **Liquid Fast:** Consuming only liquids such as water, juice, or broth.

 3. **Duration**

- Decide on the duration of your fast. It could be from sunrise to sunset, for a full day, several days, or even longer periods like the 40 days of Lent. Ensure your chosen duration is realistic and safe for your health condition.

4. **Prayer and Meditation**

- Fasting should be accompanied by prayer, meditation, and reading of the Scriptures. Use the time you would normally spend eating to focus on your spiritual practices.

5. **Community Support**

- If possible, let a trusted friend or your faith community know about your fast. They can offer support, encouragement, and accountability.

6. **Health Considerations**

- Before starting a fast, consider your health. If you have medical conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional. Fasting may not be advisable for everyone, especially for those with certain health conditions or dietary needs.

7. **Break Your Fast Gently**

- When your fasting period ends, reintroduce food gradually. Start with something light like fruit or a small salad before moving to heavier foods to avoid shocking your system.

8. **Reflect and Act**

- Use the insights gained during fasting to guide actions in your life. Fasting can lead to a renewed sense of purpose, deeper compassion, and a call to act justly and love mercy.

9. **Be Mindful of Your Motivation**

- Keep your focus on the spiritual reasons for fasting rather than physical benefits like weight loss. The primary goal is to draw closer to God and to seek His will.

 10. **Expect Challenges**

- Fasting can be physically and spiritually challenging. Expect moments of hunger, temptation, and even doubt, but use these challenges as opportunities to deepen your reliance on God.

Remember, the most important aspect of fasting is the heart behind it. Approach your fast with a spirit of humility, seeking to deepen your relationship with God and to grow in your faith.

Fast suggestions:

 **Food-Based Fast**: Encourage giving up certain types of food (like sweets, meat, or processed foods) or fasting for specific times (such as skipping one meal a day).

- **Digital Fast**: Propose reducing screen time, social media, or certain types of digital entertainment to free up time for reflection, prayer, or reading.

- **Consumer Fast**: Suggest refraining from unnecessary purchases, encouraging simplicity and focus on needs versus wants.

Lenten Pledge

In these forty days leading up to the glorious celebration of Easter, we embark on a spiritual journey to deepen our relationship with God and to live out the Gospel in our daily lives.

The practice of almsgiving, a cornerstone of our Lenten journey, offers us a profound opportunity to express our faith through acts of love and charity. It is a tangible manifestation of our commitment to follow Christ, who taught us, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).

In the spirit of almsgiving, we are called not only to share our material resources but also to offer our time, talents, and prayers for the benefit of those in need. This act of giving is a reflection of God’s infinite generosity towards us, as echoed in the words of Proverbs 19:17, "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."

Click here to Pledge for Lent