Another fasting question

[catch22]

I fasted all day without a problem, but since it did come so easy, does that mean I should be doing more? Like, say, fasting for three days? I was under the impression that when fasting, you are supposed to undergo some sort of suffering in order to become more connected with God, but I really experienced no such suffering.

 

[peaceful soul]

I fasted all day without a problem, but since it did come so easy, does that mean I should be doing more? Like, say, fasting for three days? I was under the impression that when fasting, you are supposed to undergo some sort of suffering in order to become more connected with God, but I really experienced no such suffering.

It boils down to an interaction between you and God on whether you are doing enough. You have only done it once. Don't expect it to always to be so easy. It really is the comittment and purpose that is to be emphasized.

Did you fast only with water or did you have some foods? I don't have much trouble with one day fasts with water only. I don't worry about how easy it is. My concern is always purpose and pleasing my Lord.

Note: Suffering for suffering sake is not Biblical. Worship is not based upon how easy something is: it is always purpose. Perhaps you have a strong spiritual state that makes it easy. If that is the case, maybe a prolonged fast is what you need. I know I seem to be contradicting myself, but there is no simple answer but to evaluate matters with God.

 

[ZiSunka]

Fasting is not something you do to torture yourself, or something you do to attract God's admiration.

Fasting is giving up something for the sake of being better able to hear the voice of God. It is an act of discipline and worship. It is not a self-flagelation to make yourself suffer to bring you purity or anything else.

If you are doing it to make yourself suffer, you are doing it for the wrong reason.

 

[Peter]

Just to point out, today is a fast day. The purpose of this fast is to remember Christ's betrayal at the hands of Judas and to pray that we don't follow the same path.

An Orthodox fast is one of no meat, no dairy (including eggs), no wine and no olive oil.

Fasting should only be done under the guidance of one's spiritual father so as not to lead to temptation.

Peace.

Peter

 

[catch22]

The fast I did yesterday was entirely without food. I did feel a sense of clarity after having done it, but I feel as if I could have done even more. I might be wrong in this, but I was under the impression that when fasting we are supposed to sacrifice as Jesus did, and if the sacrifice is easy, are we really sacrificing?

 

[Bruno]

Sacrifice something that means much to you. For example, I love chocolate and have some just about every day. Therefore, fasting for me would be to not have any chocolate for an amount of time. I would do this to show God and myself how much He means to me. By sacrificing something of great significance to me, I would be showing God my love and trust for Him. This would also keep my focus on Him, since every time I would think of chocolate, I would remind myself why I will not have any at that time.

 

[One Son of Many]

If I do a complete fasting, (water only) would it be permissible to take vitamin supplements? How about prescriptions?

 

[gusto5]

i would say not to fast when you're sick...God understands. Adding on, as long as the FOCUS of the fast is correct, Then the LENGTH is not the important matter.

 

[ian]

Fasting is not for you to suffer and to prove your faithfulness for God already knows about that. God needs no proving.

Fasting is a peculiar activity that we commune with God and fasting is always for a prayer request.

Similiar to prayer.


ian

 

[faeriemom]

For me, fasting is a way to become closer to god. I havbe attemped a 21 day fat and made it only 5 days. I'm getting better though. Everytime I am weak, I pray,,,pray...and pray.... brings me closer to god. When your body is less focused on digesting all the poisons we put into it, it clears the mind and brings us closer to God....

 

[faeriemom]

as far as fasting when sick, my personal opinion is that's the best time to fast. Does an animal eat when it's sick? It's natural for you to lose your appetite and drink lots when you are sick. Your body will heal faster if we stop putting poisons in it...MHO