fasting: when hunger = power

We are turning the corner in our "spiritual fitness" emphasis and looking at some of the more "demanding" spiritual disciplines. Fasting is new to many people so I want to urge you to "ease in" to this practice - but, by all means, do "ease in"! As with all spiritual exercises, fasting can be turned into vain asceticism, prideful manipulation, and even an altered state of consciousness. So fast with the purpose of hungering for God. Familiarize yourself with the basics of Biblical fasting as you begin to explore this discipline. If you are ready to go deeper I can think of no better resource than John Piper's book, "A Hunger for God" which is available to read online or download.

Intensify your Biblical meditation and prayer with fasting. Together, they have a synergistic effect in your personal devotions. Discuss your experiences with your small group or right here (see "comment" below).

Consider the words of the early "church father" John Chrysostom:

Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works.
If you see a poor man, take pity on him.
If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him.
Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.
Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful.
Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?
May HE who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us