What does the Bible say about fasting
Lent and fasting seem to go together naturally in some Christian churches, while others consider this form of self-denial a personal and private matter.
It is easy to find examples of fasting in both the Old and New Testaments. In the times of the Old Testament, fasting was observed to express pain. Since the New Testament, fasting has taken on a different meaning, as a way of focusing on God and prayer.
One such focus was the intent of Jesus Christ during his 40-day fast in the desert (Matthew 4: 1-2). In preparation for his public ministry, Jesus intensified his prayer with the addition of fasting.
Today many Christian churches associate Lent with the 40 days of Moses on the mountain with God, the 40-year-long journey of the Israelites in the desert and the 40-day fasting and temptation of Christ. Lent is a period of grim self-examination and penance in preparation for Easter.
Lent fasting in the Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church has a long tradition of fasting for Lent. Unlike most other Christian churches, the Catholic Church has specific rules for its members regarding Lent fasting.
Not only do Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but they also abstain from meat in those days and every Friday during Lent. Fasting, however, does not mean complete denial of food.
On fasting days, Catholics can eat a full meal and two smaller meals which together do not constitute a full meal. Young children, the elderly and people whose health would be compromised are exempt from fasting rules.
Fasting is associated with prayer and almsgiving as spiritual disciplines to ward off a person's attachment from the world and focus on God and the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
Fasting for Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church imposes the strictest rules for Lent fasting. Meat and other animal products are banned the week before Lent. On the second week of Lent, only two full meals are consumed, on Wednesdays and Fridays, although many lay people do not respect the complete rules. On weekdays during Lent, members are asked to avoid meat, meat products, fish, eggs, dairy products, wine and oil. On Good Friday, members are asked not to eat at all.
Lent and fasting in Protestant churches
Most Protestant churches have no fasting and Lent regulations. During the Reformation, many practices that could have been considered "works" were eliminated by reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin, so as not to confuse believers who were taught salvation only by grace.
In the Episcopal Church, members are encouraged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting must also be combined with prayer and almsgiving.
The Presbyterian Church makes voluntary fasting. Its purpose is to develop an addiction to God, to prepare the believer to face temptation and to seek the wisdom and guidance of God.
The Methodist Church has no official fasting guidelines, but encourages it as a private matter. John Wesley, one of the founders of methodism, fasted twice a week. Fasting or abstaining from activities such as watching television, eating favorite foods, or doing hobbies is also encouraged during Lent.
The Baptist Church encourages fasting as a way to draw closer to God, but regards it as a private matter and has no fixed days when members should fast.
Assemblies of God consider fasting an important but purely voluntary and private practice. The church points out that it does not produce merit or favor from God, but it is a way to increase concentration and gain self-control.
The Lutheran Church encourages fasting but does not require its members to fast during Lent. The Augsburg Confession states:
"We do not condemn the fast itself, but the traditions that prescribe certain days and certain meats, with a danger of conscience, as if such works were a necessary service".