Fasting can be difficult. At times, we can be persuaded to break our fasts (especially for our Lenten obligations). Why do we even fast in the first place? In our humanness, we fail God, we 

fail others, and we fail ourselves. We are a broken people who need God’s grace and mercy. 

Fasting is a physical thing we can do to strengthen our hearts, minds, and souls. By denying ourselves little pleasures, we can use that time to seek reparation with God. We can fast from screen time, playing video games, eating sweets, buying new items, snacking between meals etc.* In prayer, we can communicate with God that we are fasting for a certain reason. We can fast for a person who may be going through a hard time. We can fast for a prayer intention that is on our hearts. We can fast for a specific cause like an end to abortion.

During Lent, we are called to a time of fasting like Jesus. He fought temptation and darkness over 2000 years ago before He suffered for us. We will never be tempted to the extent that Jesus was tempted. When times get to be tough, we must not complain. May we make this experience a prayer. May our sufferings cleanse us and unite us to Jesus. Ask the Lord to purify you of things that prohibit you from becoming who God created you to be. Remove those obstacles, those sins.

Imagine yourself alone with Jesus in the desert. He is suffering for you and lovingly looking at you. He has already fought your battles. What will you say to Him? What can you offer Him? 

How can you spend your time loving Him and serving Him? Will you tell Him your sorrows and woes? 

Be still in the silence. Sit with Jesus and contemplate what it truly means to be with Him in the desert.

Prayer: 

Dear God, I am so unworthy of Your love and sacrifice, yet, You willingly died for me. You find me to be worthy. Help me to make sacrifices during this season of Lent (and throughout the year too). Encourage me when I start to doubt the importance of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. May I love You and seek You, especially when I struggle with fasting. There is a divine purpose in the things I do. I love You! Amen. 

*If you struggle with your relationship with food, please make sure that you speak with a counselor, guardian, or other trusted adult before you make severe fasting decisions. While the 

Church calls us to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (two smaller meals and one larger meal) and to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, it is important to have a well-balanced, healthy diet to honor the body the Lord has given you (even while you fast).