Every year, Christians of varying degrees of faith take part in an ancient church practice called Lent, most likely giving up an indulgence of their liking for 40 days. People take part in this reset that  leads to the Easter celebration. Have you ever asked yourself: Where does Lent come from, and why do we give something up for 40 days? 

Where It All Began

Historically, the observation of Lent, or pre-Easter fasting, goes back to the earliest formations of the church, around 325 A.D. Around this time, there were practices of fasting for different durations of time, from one day to the 40 days we observe now. Those periods would lead to the culmination of Easter. 

Scripture speaks about fasting in both the Old and New Testaments. In Jesus’ teaching on fasting, found in Matthew 6, in the sermon on the mount, He reminds His followers to not fast for public recognition, but deepening our relationship with the Father. Scriptural fasting demonstrates a reliance and dependence on God to provide our needs, drawing us closer to Him. 

In The Modern World

Today’s modern technology, in the 21st century, can provide us with whatever we want almost instantly: food delivered on our doorsteps, entertainment on our home TVs and laptops, instant connection through video calls. These luxuries that we live with and thrive on are also our greatest distractions. These modern technologies do not give us space to sit in meditation and prayer because we are always connected. Time is always taken by something. 

So, we must intentionally take it back. 

This annual rhythm of fasting, that builds to the celebration of the resurrected Messiah, is the intentional take back of our time. The Lenten season is a spiritual reset, a shedding of distractions and indulgences, and a realignment of what’s important. 

When we give something up, we create space. When we fast, we create space for God to fill. Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, in “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook,” says this, “Fasting clears us out and opens us up to intentionally seeking God’s will and grace in a way that goes beyond normal habits of worship and prayer.” 

Traditionally, practicing Christians fasted from food or drink. When we go without something that we physically need, there is a natural response: We become hungry or thirsty. We start to crave the thing we no longer have. In those cravings, we look to God for satisfaction. 

Today, people crave more things than food, and for some, they crave those things more than they crave food. Fasting is not one-dimensional in the sacrifice. Based on church history, Lenten practices have evolved. As the church progressed, this spiritual practice of Lent did so as well. There is a freedom of expression around Lent just like our church ancestors did in the first days. Giving up something to create space that is then filled with the Lord is the formula for fasting, and it’s the model we should follow for our Lenten practices. What that “something” is will be unique to each person in their practice of fasting.  

How to Know What to Fast

How do we know what to give up? Here are some steps that can help determine an appropriate fast during Lenten season. 

What are the most distracting items in your life? Make a list of everything that comes to mind. 

Will giving up this item cause harm? The discipline of fasting is not to hurt or harm you. If this item is needed to maintain good health, it may not be the best item to fast. 

How will you be intentional with the space created in this fast? Fasting creates dependency and time with God. Plan to enter this space of fasting with prayer, journaling, and Bible study. If you aren’t intentional, your time will be fleeting.