Saturday, April 11
The church has long-considered this day, between Good Friday and Easter, a holy day — a day for fasting and prayer. Before we rejoice in resurrection, we mourn: We mourn over our own sin. We grieve the effects of sickness and death. We cry out and lament the pain and suffering all around us. As we do so, we magnify the goodness of Christ's death on Good Friday and the Joy of His resurrection on Easter morning.
We cannot gather as we wish, but we can fast and pray together. This year, there is an urgency to cry out to God on our own behalf and on behalf of our neighbors. Let's take this opportunity.
Questions
What is fasting?
Fasting is the practice of abstaining from something, typically food, in order to devote yourself to prayer.
Why do it?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus assumes that his disciples will fast (Matthew 6). Fasting teaches us to attend to our Heavenly Father, who always attends to us. We do not fast to win God's love; we fast so that we may depend upon God's love. When we fast, we invite the Holy Spirit to expose our idols and purify our hearts.
Should I participate?
Give some thought to if and how you might participate in the fast. Consult with friends and/or members of your household. Discuss how you might observe the fast together. During this time of heightened stress and uncertainty, fasting will be a gift to some and unwise for others
How?
You may observe a fast from food and, instead, pray during mealtimes. You might also consider fasting from social media or technology. Even if you do not choose to fast, you may participate by praying.
Details
Prepare.
Decide ahead of time what kind of fast you will observe. Decide when you will begin and end your fast. Think ahead about how you need to prepare. If you plan to fast from food, limit your physical activity on Saturday. Make sure to have a water bottle handy. If you plan to fast from technology, let others know that you will be unavailable. Decide how you will fill the time: Choose a scripture to meditate on for the day. Make a list of things to pray for. If you need a list of prayer concerns, consult the liturgy from last week or the weekly prayer list.
Fast.
Observe your fast on Saturday, April 4th. You may find this an encouraging experience. You may find it a difficult experience. Know that you are in the company of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Feast.
Break your fast with a celebration of Christ's resurrection. Feasting is a spiritual discipline, too!
Report In.
Talk with a friend about your experience. Let others know that you were praying with them. Write down reflections, words, or insights from your fast.