Fasting and Abstinence are two forms of sacrifice during the Lenten season in which we deny our desire for food (fasting) and meat (abstinence) so that we are better able to focus on Jesus.
Jesus tells us that prayer and fasting are two powerful weapons against evil, and we ought to make use of them in order to overcome sin in our lives and draw closer to Him.
In the fight against evil and sin, we need both these weapons. Prayer, without fasting, is like boxing with your hand tied behind your back. Fasting, without prayer, is just dieting! To be complete, they need each other!
Don't just fast from goodies this Lent! Truly fast from things that enable you to pray more!
Fasting
Invite your children to really think about things they can fast from this Lent. They don't just have to fast from food! They can fast from anything that might be taking away from their relationship with the Lord.
Here are some ideas of things you and your kids can fast from this Lent:
Fast from video games during the week. Spend that time playing games as a family.
Fast from TV and spend more time reading, either on your own or as a family.
Fast from eating right away. Before eating a meal, say a prayer then count to 40 to remember the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.
Fast from complaining. Every time you want to complain, say a prayer of thanksgiving for something good in your life.
Fast from hurtful words. Only say something if it is kind and loving.
Fast from schoolwork on Sundays. Do all your schoolwork ahead of time so Sunday can be a day focused on God.
Fast from dessert. Don't eat any sweets after dinner.
Fast from being first. Let others go ahead of you, whether in line at school or when talking about your day.
Fast from extra sleep. Either get up a few minutes early, or stay up a few minutes late, and spend that time praying together as a family.
Fast from arguing. Instead of fighting with a sibling or friend, simply forgive them and ask for their forgiveness.
Abstinence
During Lent, we give up eating meat on Fridays in order to honor the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice on Good Friday, by dying for our sins. Abstaining from meat is a small way we can share in this sacrifice.
To help you and your family abstain from meat this Lent, click the button below to find 25 easy, meatless meals you can make as a family!