#idk who john piper is so sorry if he sucks. just liked the quote

[queerprayers]

re: fasting

Fasting is a huge part of Lenten tradition and many people's practices, and I wanted to take a minute to address it. This post will address food restriction and eating disorders, so please be aware of your own triggers/comfort levels before reading.

"Without a purpose or plan, it's not Christian fasting; it's just going hungry." (John Piper)

"Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God." (Andrew Murray)

I'm not going to include the whole history/theology of fasting. I'd encourage you to do your own research if this is an interesting topic to you! I just wanted to put some general thoughts out there.

Often people focus on food during Lent, for a few reasons. Eating is something we do regularly and it affects every aspect of our lives. We literally can't live without it. The absence of food can remind us of our own mortality, that we are nothing without the things God gives us. Fasting throughout Christian history has been a form of submission and letting go, of experiencing God in our wanting.

Many denominations have communal fasting guidelines, usually regarding what food items to give up for Lent. Christians often stay away from rich/dessert foods at the very least. For many, this is a simple way to mark the season, to save some joy for Easter.

I talked here about the exceptions that exist in fasting guidelines. They exist, and they're very important. I have never had an eating disorder, but the mental health issues I do experience have given me addictive habits and tendencies toward self-neglect. I don't fast beyond giving up a few small treats, and I don't think it would be safe for me to go further. If you're unsure, I'd encourage reaching out to a doctor/therapist or even a family member/friend to discuss what fasting means to you and whether it would be healthy.

I've talked about not giving in to the temptation to punish yourself. We cannot let ourselves believe that pain is the only place where God is, or that God desires our suffering, or that we are closer to God when we deny ourselves. Sometimes it feels that way, but both joy and pain hold God, both scarcity and abundance bring us to God. Feasting and fasting are both ways to experience God.

Lent is when we remember Jesus's forty days in the desert, in which he fasted. Fasting is part of Jewish traditions that he probably participated in, and part of his temptation was going hungry. This is true. For many, feasting is easy and natural, and fasting is vulnerable. This is where they experience God during Lent.

What is also true: God ate, joyfully and often! He miracled more wine at a wedding, he multiplied loaves and fishes, he was only recognized by some of his friends after the resurrection when he sat down for breakfast with them. And above all, he placed at the center of our faith, as one of his final commands, to remember him at the holy table. Of greatest importance was his last supper with his friends, a religious ritual and a communal act of love.

As you navigate your own relationship with food and with God, remember both these truths. And remember, we fast in Lent to feast in Easter. If feasting is what you struggle with, maybe make an Easter practice instead of a Lenten one! Or maybe create a Lenten practice of eating when you're hungry, of finding things you enjoy eating, of eating communally and lovingly.

I believe we should come to Easter hungry, for God and Life. And Lent is a great way to honor that hunger. Some people need that to be physical and literal, but it should be spiritual above all.

You know yourself. God knows you. You don't have to answer to anyone but God, which can be comforting and terrifying--let it be a comfort today. You don't have to explain yourself except to the one who already knows any explanation you could give.

<3 Johanna