The concept of fasting is clearly scriptural. It was done in the both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus fasted in the the wilderness for 40 days and Paul fasted after his sight was restored on the road to Damascus. Fasting is considered a spiritual discipline, but it was not something that was clear to me within the traditions of my growing up years.
In Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at college, the idea was introduced and explained. My understanding was that is was a period of abstinence from food for the purpose of spending that time honoring God. It could be for personal reflection and cleansing or as a part of a prayer journey for a specific request. Subsequently, fasting has been presented as a call to personal discipline and to enhance spiritual growth in individuals or in the body of Christ. Youth groups across denominations participate in the 30 Hour Famine to raise money to feed starving children around the world.
The original understanding of a fast was that it was the denial or significant reduction in the food intake for a period of time. The idea was to use the time not spent eating and preparing food as a prayer time or devotional time. In recent years, a broader scope of fasting has emerged suggesting that fasting could be giving up anything held as value. Others give up time spent in one thing to do service for others. Any time the food or activity is missed or remembered is a prompt to seek the Lord.
Lent prompts discussion of the topic as several Christian traditions observe some kind of fast during the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Sadly, it has often produced derision as people "gave up" things they didn't like anyway. Others gave up or fasted from something that they really enjoyed, but spent their days bemoaning what they could not have. I'm not sure either of those are scriptural fasts. Many sites and treatises online discuss fasting and deserve a look if you are thinking of fasting for the season of for some other purpose.
However, this morning I was challenged with a different view of fasting in this season. Following is the poem that was posted on an online prayer chain. If doesn't matter what Christian tradition you come from, I think at least one of the phrases will give us something to ponder in our own Christian journey.
Suggestions for a Holy Lent
by William Arthur Ward (adapted)
Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of Christ’s light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on hope.
Fast from worry; feast on divine providence.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm and zeal.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that strengthens.
Fast from worry; feast on divine providence.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
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