“Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” (Luke 4:4)
The season of Lent, the 40 days before Easter Sunday, offers an opportunity to renew our relationship with God and others. This year, we will focus on the practice of fasting.
Why fasting?
Fasting is choosing to say no to something we desire in order to create extra space for pursuing a relationship with God. When we have access and the means to acquire nearly anything that our heart desires, fasting helps us build the discipline of self-control. As Jesus taught, learning to follow Jesus requires denying ourselves! Fasting is a way to connect to the true source of life, God’s presence and power which fills and satisfies completely.
How can I fast?
There are many ways to fast, but two to consider are:
Fasting from decadence: abstaining from sweets, meat, alcohol, a form of entertainment, etc.
Fasting from sustenance: fast 1 day each week from all food or several meals during that day
Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your fast:
Choose an attainable goal. Especially if this is a new practice for you, start with a fast that is both a meaningful sacrifice and realistic to maintain.
Fast with a partner. Whether you fast in the same way or not, make it a priority to check in with your partner each week, to pray with and encourage one another.
Add time with God. When you notice your desires for the thing you have given up, use that as a cue to spend time with God instead. One suggestion would be to work on memorizing a portion of scripture, for example, a Psalm like Psalm 51 which is a prayer of repentance that also expresses the promise of God’s mercy.
Fasting through Mercy and Justice
Through the prophet Isaiah, God makes clear that personal devotion cannot be separated from how we treat one another and our neighbors, especially how we act towards people experiencing poverty, exploitation, and other forms of unjust treatment. Ask God how you and your family might do justice and love mercy in a more intentional way during these 40 days. This could range from getting involved with one of NECC’s outreach initiatives, making a financial contribution to a local non-profit organization, or serving your neighbors in some other way.
Opportunities at NECC
Join the adult Sunday School study on the book “Lent: A Season of Repentance and Renewal” which meets every Sunday at 9:00am
Attend the Immigration Advocacy Night on Sunday, February 15th to brainstorm with others about how to advocate through our political systems for a more just and compassionate response to our immigrant neighbors