Question about fasting

[sccs]

Hi all,

I have a fundamental question about fasting that I was hoping I could gain some insight on.

For this question, I'm going to differentiate between fasting from food and fasting from other things (such as things that you would refrain from for Lent).

In regards to fasting from non-food items, why do you have to specifically do that? I hear people say that fasting helps remind them that God is more than just that particular thing and to be able to use that time to pray and focus their attention on God. My question is: why do that? Shouldn't you be praying and focusing on God anyway?

In regards to fasting from food, isn't that unhealthy? God created our bodies and isn't it a sin against the Temple of the Holy Spirit to purposefully deprive yourself of the nutrients you need to survive? Also, assuming that you are generally healthy, why would you have to sacrifice your health and overall well-being of your body in order to pray, grow closer to God or hear his voice on a major decision?

Thank you for your replies.

 

[wayfaring man]

Hi N,

From my experience prayer and seeking The Lord is usually sufficient...but now and again something rather overwhelming comes along...and that's where prayer and fasting comes in handy - for it musters a deeper, more consistent, uninterrupted focus/experience upon The Lord and the things of The Spirit and Kingdom of God.

From a physiological stand point, periodic fasting is like changing the oil in a car or motorcycle...in time impurities collect in our fat (the oil), and when one fasts for more than a short while, that fat is processed away, along with the stored toxins.

Plus there are a lot more benefits...but that's the short version.

Recommend reading up on it...it's quite safe for most people, but dangerous for a few...yet, if one learns to fast early, it will help greatly in warding off those things which make fasting especially dangerous, like diabetes, heart disease, excessively toxic fat reserves.

wm

 

[Lukaris]

In Eastern Orthodoxy our Lenten fast is to have a diet along the line of Daniel's fast (About the Daniel Fast) which is basically a vegan diet of moderation in which an individual can choose to further sacrifice otherwise as the Spirit guides him or her. Exceptions for individual health concerns are always taken into account. We are also called to further pray & give more alms to charity as we fast. So (for ex.) an individual may skip a meal and donate to a food bank instead (little things like this as the Spirit guides us).The link I provided is not an Orthodox one but the basics of the Daniel fast are how we observe Great Lent, Nativity Fast (40 days to Christmas), Wednesdays & Fridays of most weeks year round etc.

 

[Andy Pandy]

I am no medic, but fasting is an induced state, and as with any other induced state, I can only assume a little 'high' will intensify anything. I can think of no other reason for it to be beneficial spiritually.

 

[Lukaris]

Fasting is outlined as one of the basic tasks for us to live by in faith alongside prayer & alms giving. It is not meant to be an ordeal but a joyous sacrifice according to one's ability.Read Matthew 6:1-18.