Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all your responsibilities and completely disconnected from God? As a busy husband, father, and full-time teacher, I've been there too. But when I joined the Orthodox Church and started fasting, I discovered its transformative power. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the health and spiritual benefits of fasting, but I realized I didn't emphasize the spiritual benefits enough. So, today, I'm dedicating this entire article to that topic.
Fasting, from an Orthodox perspective, isn’t just about giving up food. It’s far from a diet exercise; it's a spiritual practice that deepens your relationship with God, designed to make us more Christ-like and bring peace and clarity to our existence. For my family and me, fasting has become essential in reconnecting with God amidst the chaos of our lives. It's a moment of reflection, repentance, and growth. Fasting has not only brought us closer to the Lord, but it has also helped us face life's challenges, overcome obstacles, and strengthen our bonds.
Let’s dive into the top 10 spiritual benefits of fasting according to the Bible, with insights from theologians like Alexander Schmemann and Fr. Thomas Hopko, who have been great sources of inspiration since we began that journey to Orthodoxy, and other teachings from the Orthodox Church.
1. Drawing Closer to God 🙏
One of the most important benefits of fasting is that it helps us draw closer to God. Fasting is a dedicated moment in our busy lives to focus on the Lord and a commitment to become more Christ-like. Joel 2:12 says, "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Whether you're juggling work, school, or family responsibilities, fasting helps you pause and reconnect with your spiritual center.
For my wife and me, fasting has been transformative. Before we joined the Orthodox Church, everything else took priority over the Lord: taking care of our kids, nurturing our relationship, making time for family and friends, catching up with work, etc. In that busy schedule, there was little to no time left to give our full attention to the Lord. When we joined the Church, we realized how disconnected we were from God and decided to start fasting and praying.
This new practice proved incredibly effective at battling our passions and improving our health, but the main benefit has been increasing our proximity to God. During fasting seasons, we committed to increasing our prayer life, praying as often as possible throughout the day. These weren't empty prayers but heartfelt ones where we gave our full attention to God. This not only kept God in our minds but also brought an unexpected peace and serenity into our lives.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Alexander Schmemann points out that fasting is more than a diet; it's a way to rediscover the true nature of life and deepen our connection with God. This spiritual practice allows us to detach from distractions and make room for the Holy Spirit.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko also emphasizes that fasting is a means to open ourselves to God's presence. He states, "Fasting, in the Orthodox tradition, is always connected with prayer, repentance, and almsgiving." This connection with God is what makes fasting such a powerful spiritual discipline.
More on Fasting & Spirituality from the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
The closeness to God that comes from fasting brings a sense of peace and clarity that's hard to find in our busy everyday lives, especially when we're constantly bombarded by social media and other distractions. By fasting, we create space to reconnect with our spiritual center. The spiritual benefits of fasting are profound, fostering a new desire for a deeper connection with God and enhancing our overall spiritual well-being.
2. Enhancing Prayer Life 🙌
Daniel 9:3, says, "So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes." As I mentioned previously, fasting is a time of reflection and repentance. It is a time to turn to god to ask for forgiveness and guidance. Fasting brings a sense of urgency but sincerity to our prayers as well.
When we began fasting, my wife and I made a conscious effort to increase our prayer life. We prayed as often as possible throughout the day. We keep God in our thoughts and in our hearts throughout the day. But what really brought peace and serenity into our lives was also our honest repentance and our sincerity.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Schmemann mentions that fasting prepares us for the joy of the Eucharist, making our prayers more focused.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko notes that fasting intensifies our prayers, stating, "Fasting and prayer go hand in hand, strengthening each other and leading us closer to God." This synergy enhances our spiritual life in profound ways.
The Orthodox Church of America adds that fasting and prayer are two wings that carry the soul to the heights of spiritual perfection. When we fast, our prayers become more fervent and heartfelt, helping us connect with God on a deeper level. This is especially beneficial for those who feel their prayer life has become routine or stagnant.
3. Seeking God's Guidance 📖
Fasting is a powerful way to seek God's guidance. The early church knew this well. In Acts 13:2-3, they fasted and prayed before making important decisions: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"
During fasting periods, my wife and I spent more time reflecting on our flaws, sins, and the passions that consumed us. Fasting allowed us to reflect on how we support or fight each other, to acknowledge our flaws, and to accept them. Which we had never done before. But we also turned to God for guidance and asked Him to strengthen our faith and will as we fought our passions. This guidance sometimes came in ways we did not expect but it improved our lives significantly, deepening our relationship and bond as a married couple. It helped us open up to each other, talk more, and learn how to better support each other.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Schmemann stresses that fasting clears our minds and hearts, making us more receptive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. When we're at a crossroads or facing tough decisions, fasting helps us tune out the noise and focus on God's direction for our lives.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko explains that fasting aids in discernment, stating, "Through fasting, we open ourselves to the will of God and seek His guidance in our lives."
Whether you're making career choices, deciding on a major, or navigating family dynamics, fasting can provide the clarity you need. The purpose of fasting, especially when seeking God's guidance, is to hear God's voice more clearly. This spiritual discipline of fasting allows us to align with the will of God, opening ourselves up to His direction.
4. Developing Spiritual Strength 💪
We all face challenges and temptations, and fasting can help us develop the spiritual strength to overcome them. Jesus Christ set the example by fasting for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). This period of fasting prepared Him to face temptation and strengthened Him for His mission.
For my wife and me, fitting reflection and prayers into our busy routines was not easy, but it paid off. We both had our own weaknesses and 'passions' to fight. One of my main struggles was gluttony, manifesting in various forms like portion control, a sweet tooth, and alcohol. I had tried several diets, fasts, and workout programs without long-term success. When I started fasting, I was anxious, fearing I wouldn't overcome this obstacle. But to my surprise, the combination of prayers and reflection strengthened my will and allowed me to face my demons.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Alexander Schmemann explains that fasting strengthens our spiritual resolve and prepares us for spiritual battles. It helps us detach from distractions and focus on what truly matters.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko emphasizes that fasting is crucial for developing spiritual fortitude. He states, "Fasting builds our spiritual muscles, making us stronger in our faith and more resilient against temptation."
The Orthodox Church of America teaches that fasting builds resilience, helping us to face challenges with a stronger spirit. Whether it's resisting daily temptations or dealing with bigger life struggles, fasting equips us with the spiritual power to handle them. For anyone dealing with hard times or seeking to overcome evil desires, fasting provides the strength and spiritual awakening needed to face these challenges head-on. It's a good way to build spiritual muscles, just like we build physical muscles through regular exercise.
5. Demonstrating Repentance 😔
Fasting is a powerful way to show repentance and humility. In Jonah 3:5-10, the people of Nineveh fasted to show their repentance, and God relented from the disaster He had planned. This act of fasting was a physical demonstration of their desire to turn back to God.
For my wife and me, fasting meant spending more time reflecting on our flaws, sins, and the passions that consumed us. We repented for our actions through prayer and confession, seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. By reflecting on God's commandments, we acknowledged our wrongdoing and took responsibility for our actions. This was probably the hardest thing for us to do, but it allowed us to diagnose our sins and, with the help of our spiritual father, develop a long-term plan to face our passions.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Alexander Schmemann highlights that fasting is an expression of repentance and humility before God. When we fast, we demonstrate our sincere desire to turn away from sin and seek God's forgiveness. It's a humbling experience that brings about genuine transformation.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko underscores that fasting is an outward sign of our inner repentance. He states, "Fasting is a way to show our sincere repentance and commitment to change."
More on Repentance from the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
For those new to spiritual fasting, starting with a little bit of humility goes a long way. Understanding the deeper meanings of repentance and seeking forgiveness can lead to profound spiritual growth. Fasting helps us confront our sins and work towards lasting spiritual improvement.
6. Cultivating Self-Control 🧘
One of the most practical benefits of fasting is learning self-control. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:27, "I discipline my body and keep it under control." Fasting helps us master our physical appetites, aligning our bodies with our spiritual goals.
For my wife and me, self-control was a significant challenge, but we each had our own struggles. My personal battles were with alcohol, portion control, and the time I dedicated to blogging. These issues not only impacted my health, leading to weight problems and excessive drinking, but also affected my interactions with my wife and kids.
When I launched my blog for example, I became consumed by it, spending most of my free time writing posts. This left little time for my children, and I started feeling like a terrible dad. My wife noticed this and asked me to reconnect with our family. Getting into Orthodoxy and embracing fasting helped me regain self-control and focus on what truly matters.
Fasting taught me to manage my physical desires and prioritize my family. It was a humbling experience that allowed me to balance my time better, ensuring that I was present for my wife and kids while still pursuing my passion for blogging. This newfound balance brought peace and harmony into our home, strengthening our family bonds and improving my overall well-being.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Schmemann explains that fasting cultivates self-control and mastery over our desires. By fasting, we develop the discipline to control our impulses and focus on what's truly important.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko also highlights that fasting teaches us discipline and self-control, saying, "Fasting helps us to control our physical desires and to focus on our spiritual goals."
More on Self Control from the Orthodox Church in America
This is invaluable for anyone trying to break bad habits or develop a healthier lifestyle. It's a reminder that we can have control over our desires, rather than letting our fleshly desires control us. For those struggling with health conditions or seeking to improve their immune system, fasting can be part of a holistic approach to wellness. The health benefits of intermittent fasting, such as improved metabolic flexibility and mental clarity, complement the spiritual benefits of fasting.
7. Increasing Spiritual Awareness 🧠
Fasting heightens our spiritual awareness and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Luke 2:37 tells us about Anna the prophetess, who "never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." Her constant fasting and prayer kept her spiritually attuned.
While we had improved our prayer life and felt closer to God, we still sensed our prayers were superficial and that we had more work to do. Reflecting on our spirituality, we realized our prayers were mostly requests for protection, health, job security, and provision. We seldom asked God to guide us in becoming more Christ-like. This realization revealed a selfish tendency in our prayers. We noticed we weren't helping the poor, participating in church activities, or volunteering to support any cause—pillars of our Christian faith.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Alexander Schmemann explains that fasting makes us more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence. When we fast, we become more sensitive to God's voice and guidance, enhancing our spiritual awareness.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko emphasizes that fasting sharpens our spiritual senses, making us more receptive to the presence of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This heightened spiritual awareness can lead to a spiritual awakening, where we become more attuned to the voice of God and the deeper meanings of our spiritual journey. Regular fasting helps maintain this heightened state of awareness, making it easier to stay connected with God's guidance in our daily lives.
8. Enhancing Spiritual Warfare 🛡️
Fasting is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare. Jesus tells His disciples in Mark 9:29, "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting." Some spiritual battles require the added intensity and focus that fasting provides.
For me, spiritual warfare was about facing the obstacles that life throws our way and being better prepared to deal with them. I realized I had grown very whiny, spending too much time reflecting on what I wanted and didn’t get rather than appreciating what I needed and received without necessarily asking for it. Fasting helped me prepare for those moments when I felt tired at the end of the day and needed the strength to fulfill my duties as a parent. It also helped me muster the humility needed at work during conflicts with co-workers and to be proactive with my wife so that arguments didn’t depress me.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Alexander Schmemann says fasting equips us with the strength to overcome evil. By fasting, we prepare ourselves for spiritual battles, focusing our minds and hearts on what truly matters.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko notes that fasting is essential in the fight against spiritual adversaries. He states, "Fasting equips us with the spiritual strength needed to engage in spiritual warfare and overcome evil."
More on Spiritual Warfare from the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
The Orthodox Church of America teaches that fasting builds resilience, helping us face challenges with a stronger spirit. Whether it's resisting daily temptations or dealing with bigger life struggles, fasting provides the strength and clarity needed to overcome them. For those engaged in long-term spiritual battles or seeking to break free from strongholds, fasting can be the key to unlocking spiritual power and victory.
9. Expressing Grief 😢
Fasting can also be a way to express grief and lamentation. In 2 Samuel 1:12, David and his men "mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan." Fasting helps us process and express our grief in a way that brings us closer to God.
I did not experience this benefit of fasting, as I wasn't practicing fasting when my closest friend died. I can only imagine the pain and sorrow someone feels during such a loss, and it would be presumptuous of me to assume how fasting might feel during those times. Instead, I will share what others who have gone through such experiences have reported about fasting during times of grief. Many people who have faced significant losses share that fasting becomes a meaningful way to grieve and seek God’s comfort. They report that fasting provides a structured way to channel their sorrow, helping them to focus their emotions and turn their grief into a time of deeper prayer and reflection. This practice often brings a sense of peace and solace, making them feel closer to God. They find that the discipline of fasting allows them to process their grief more fully, offering a way to express their mourning and find spiritual healing.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Alexander Schmemann explains that fasting can be a way to seek comfort from God during times of sorrow. It provides a structured way to channel our grief towards healing.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko emphasizes that fasting during times of grief allows us to turn our sorrow towards God, finding comfort and solace in His presence.
The Orthodox Church of America teaches that fasting helps us find solace in God's presence during periods of grief. For anyone dealing with loss or deep sorrow, fasting can be a meaningful way to grieve and seek God’s comfort. Fasting provides a spiritual connection that brings healing and peace, helping us to process our emotions and find strength in our faith. These accounts suggest that fasting can transform sorrow into a time of deeper prayer and reflection, offering solace and guidance from God.
10. Enhancing Worship 🎶
Finally, fasting can deepen our worship experience. Nehemiah 9:1-3 shows the Israelites fasting and confessing their sins as part of their worship: "On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads." This practice enriched their worship, making it more meaningful.
For us, the events at the church during the fasting seasons significantly enhanced our worship. The community's collective dedication to fasting and prayer created a powerful atmosphere that deeply impacted us. Our spiritual father guided us through the fasting seasons, helping with our reflection and prayer life. His support, along with the guidance from church members, was invaluable as we got into Orthodoxy and everything seemed new. Everyone shared their personal experiences during these events, provided resources, and connected us with other church members. This sense of community and shared journey made our worship experience profoundly enriching.
Insight from A. Schmemann and Fr. Hopko ->
Insight from Schmemann
Schmemann highlights that fasting prepares us for deeper participation in worship, especially the Eucharist.
Insight from Fr. Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko underscores that fasting enhances our worship by preparing our hearts and minds to fully engage in the spiritual practices and sacraments of the church.
The Orthodox Church of America teaches that fasting purifies our hearts and minds, making our worship more profound and spiritually enriching. If your worship feels routine, fasting can reinvigorate your spiritual experience and make your time with God more meaningful. During special religious observances like Good Friday or the Lenten season, fasting can enhance our worship and bring us closer to the heart of our faith.
Final Take Away
Fasting isn't just about skipping meals; it's a journey that brings us closer to God, enhances our prayer life, and builds our spiritual strength. My wife and I have found that fasting has deepened our relationship, improved our roles as parents, and brought peace and clarity into our lives. This quest to become more Christ-like is not something we solve over the course of a fasting season. Rather, it's a lifelong journey with ups and downs. But through fasting and prayers, we have been able to reconnect with God and revive this connection which we sometimes neglect as the things of life get in the way.
Whether you're a young adult navigating life’s choices, a busy parent juggling responsibilities, or someone looking for deeper spiritual connection, fasting has profound benefits. It's about making space for God, seeking His guidance, and growing stronger in our faith. Happy fasting, and may you experience all the blessings that come with it!
Comments
No Comments