The advantages of fasting and prayer

Fasting is one of the most common - and one of the most misunderstood - spiritual practices described in the Bible. Reverend Masud Ibn Syedullah, an episcopal priest, spoke about the meaning of fasting and why it is such an important spiritual practice.

Many people see fasting as something to be used for dietary purposes or to be done only during Lent. Syedullah, on the other hand, sees fasting as something much bigger than a diet or seasonal devotion.

"Fasting is an intensification of the intention of prayer," said Syedullah. "There is a tradition in the Christian faith that when you want to focus on a particular problem or present a particular problem before God, you do it with a focused prayer, especially with fasting."

Syedullah sees fasting and prayer as closely related. "When one deliberately goes without food, you are not just praying passively, you are saying this is something important," he said.

However, Syedullah is quick to point out that the main goal of fasting is not to make something happen.

"Some people view both prayer and fasting in magical ways," said Syedullah. "They consider it a way to manipulate God."

The real secret of fasting, Syedullah said, is that it's more about changing us than changing God.

For examples of fasting in action, Syedullah looks at Scripture.

"I think the most touching example is Jesus," said Syedullah. "After being baptized ... He goes to the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, and is in a period of prayer and fasting in the desert."

Syedullah points out that it is during this period of fasting and prayer that Jesus is tempted by Satan. He says it could be because fasting puts the brain in a more open space.

"I don't know the chemistry behind this," he said. “But certainly when you go without food and drinks, you are more receptive. There is a physiological dimension that influences spiritual perception and awareness ".

It is after this period of fasting and temptation that Jesus began his public ministry. This is in line with Syedullah's view that fasting is an active form of prayer.

"Prayer and fasting open us up to discernment [of how] we might participate in God's blessing," said Syedullah. "Prayer and fasting ... are means of providing assistance by empowering us and helping us to have greater clarity on what is now to be done."

Many consider fasting basically linked to Lent, the 40 days preceding Easter, which in some Christian traditions are reserved for fasting.

"Lent is a season of penance," said Syedullah. "[It is] a [time] to become aware of one's dependence on God ... to realign our thoughts, our actions, our behaviors, our way of living more closely to the model of Jesus, what God asks in our life."

But Lent is not just about giving up food. Syedullah mentions that many people will read a daily devotional or scriptural section during Lent or participate in special worship services. Fasting is only one aspect of the spiritual meaning of Lent and there is no correct way of fasting during the Lent season.

"If [someone] isn't used to fasting, it might be a good idea to loosen it," said Syedullah.

There are different types of fasts that people could do during Lent, depending on their health needs. Syedullah suggests that beginners start with a partial fast, perhaps from sunset to sunset, and to drink lots of water, regardless of what type of fast you are doing. The most important thing is not what you physically fast, but the intention behind fasting.

"The most important thing is that [fasting] is done with some degree of intentionality, to be open to being filled by God," said Syedullah. "Fasting recalls that material things are not the only important things."