Fasting Ideas to Build Your Spiritual Practice During Lent

This time of year, people who celebrate Easter will turn their attention to Lent. The Lenten season is an important time of reflection that recognizes the sacrifices Jesus gave during his 40 days in the desert. Many Christians observe the season by choosing to give something up, whether it’s a particular food or drink, a habit, or some other behavior. It can be difficult to decide on something meaningful to abstain from, and while it is a very personal choice and there are no specific rules, we have some thought-starters to help you make your decision. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, which falls on Valentine’s Day in 2024. For many denominations, this begins what the church considers the “forty-day fast within Lent”—the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. But the 40 days aren’t as straightforward in regards to timing. For one, you’ll notice that there are actually 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. This is because the Sundays of Lent aren’t “prescribed days of fast and abstinence”. Basically, it means that it’s up to the individual to continue abstaining from the item or act of their choosing on Sundays.

The goal of Lent is not just to stop doing something you love for bragging rights, and it is not a required practice across all Christian denominations. After all, simply saying the “right words” and doing the “right things” does not make someone a Christian.

However, Lent should naturally draw participants closer to God as they experience how their sacrifice of something that seems so significant (but minor in the grand scheme of things) compares to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross—sacrificing His own life for the sake of all who believe (1 Peter 2:24). While participating in Lent, the decision to give up one notable thing goes hand in hand with picking up a variety of spiritual disciplines in its place. Craving that snack you gave up? That’s a great reminder to pray! Battling boredom without using social media? Open up your Bible! And as you wait patiently for the end of Lent, you might find yourself anticipating the celebration of Easter Sunday in a whole new way thanks to a change of perspective and having an extended, intentional time period to really contemplate Jesus’ life, teachings and selfless death.

In all, the act of giving up something for Lent is to practice self-discipline and remember the sacrifices Jesus made. Drawing a blank at what to give up? Here are some fresh ideas and spiritual practices:

While cozying up in front of a new episode can be a great way to unwind, hanging out in front of the TV regularly can take up a lot more time than we might realize. Whether you quickly go through shows by watching multiple episodes throughout your week, or devour a season of TV all in one sitting, giving up the content you usually crave will allow you to stop the small screen binge and start really anticipating growth in your spiritual life instead. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Philippians 2:14 says it clearly: “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” And yet, for many of us, complaining is something we view as a basic right, rather than something to avoid. But Lent is the perfect opportunity to intentionally choose gratitude over grumbling!

It may seem like we get through most of our days staring at our phones. While some screen time can’t be helped, like answering work emails or hopping on a Zoom conference call, other apps are typically less productive and can even provide some negative feelings from their addictive nature. Social media itself is directed at cultivating a type of community, and yet the most important relationship for Christians is with God. Psalm 119:37 says, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” By forsaking the distractions you open up space in your life to prioritize reflection, prayer, and study of God’s word.” So, if you feel like you’re spending more time checking friends’ updates than checking in with Christ, giving up screen time for Lent might be the perfect plan.

It’s incredibly easy to talk about someone else and pick apart their life choices. Whether the subject is someone you know really well, an acquaintance, or a public figure, vocalizing doubts about their intentions, disagreements with a decision they’ve made, or simply insulting something they’ve done can roll off the tongue effortlessly. Meanwhile, Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” These 40 days have the potential to help tame and transform your tongue in a beautifully biblical way!

As Colossians 3:2 advises, ‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’ Virtually experiencing different worlds or adventures can be a thrilling escape, but the energy that would normally go toward creating a character, teaming up with others, and making strategic moves to beat other players can be put into a different kind of discipline throughout Lent, by strategically focusing on your spiritual life.

While we wish it was possible to stop fears and concerns completely, choosing to go to God with our smaller day-to-day worries instead of spending time thinking through all of the “what ifs” is one Lenten idea that could help you live out your faith (which also relates to 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”). Struggling with deeper anxiety? This could be the right timing for pursuing therapy and trusting Jesus, our “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6), with taking the first steps to positively address your mental health.

“Treat yourself” is a widely accepted mindset, but it’s easy to get carried away with consumerism.  Choosing to give up shopping for Lent can be a powerful way to reevaluate our relationship with material possessions and prioritize spiritual growth. As Matthew 6:19-21 teaches us, ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ By abstaining from unnecessary shopping, we can shift our focus from material wealth to spiritual riches and align our hearts more closely with God’s kingdom.

Sometimes we turn down opportunities out of fear or a lack of energy. During the 40 days of Lent, some of us might find it transformative to look for ways to say ‘yes,’ or at least pause to consider the opportunity, when we would normally choose not to try something new or not to join in with something that does not immediately interest us. Being aware of the possibility that God may be opening the door is a great way to be more open-minded with our decisions and seek God’s will.

Toss those negative thoughts out the window and don’t let them come back even after Lent is over! Low self-esteem is somewhat normalized in our culture with things like self-deprecating jokes and turning to social media to see how other people appear to be thriving. But you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and can spend Lent building healthy self-esteem through positive affirmations, praying, and gaining confidence in the Lord through scripture.

If you’re looking for a serious way to cultivate more gratitude in your life, giving up hot showers for Lent is a great option. Throughout the six weeks, every time you take a cold shower will be a reminder that not everyone has access to showers (not to mention heated), and that you have so many blessings in your days that you tend to take for granted.  Just as fasting from physical comforts can help us grow closer to God, sacrificing the luxury of a hot shower can remind us of our dependence on Him for sustenance and comfort. In James 4:8, it says, ‘Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.’ By embracing discomfort in this small way, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with God and a greater appreciation for His blessings.

We’ve all been there. After all, driving can be frustrating. But use Lent as a reminder to take a deep breath and have patience with the other people on the road.  Choosing to give up road rage for Lent can be a transformative practice in cultivating patience, compassion, and peace. As Proverbs 14:29 says, ‘Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.’ By relinquishing the urge to react angrily while driving, we create space for God’s grace to work within us, fostering understanding and empathy towards our fellow travelers.

We may think it’s impossible to find time to read books, but there are so many incredible works on Christian Living that can help with specific struggles you’re facing (like experiencing grief, feeling confused about purity culture, being impacted by divorce, etc.) goals that you have (biblical literacy, learning more about the Trinity, understanding prayer, etc.), and more. Sound helpful? Finding the time is totally possible, especially utilizing audiobooks and e-books!  As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 4:4, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ By making time to read Scripture regularly, we open our hearts to divine wisdom and guidance, enriching our spiritual lives.

If you’re accustomed to hitting the “snooze” button several times before you get out of bed, make a pact to get up the first time it goes off.  Let’s consider giving up the habit of hitting snooze on our alarm clocks as a means of embracing discipline and stewardship of our time. As the apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15-16, ‘Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.’ By starting our days with intentionality and purpose, we honor God’s gift of time and set the tone for a fruitful spiritual journey. Let us heed the wisdom of Proverbs 6:9-11, ‘How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man,’ and awaken to the call of God’s grace each morning.”

So, during Lent this year, you can try certain things like praying for other people more than you pray about your own life, asking others questions and listening to their responses instead of talking so much about yourself in conversations, etc. Giving up selfishness for Lent is a transformative act of love and service. As Philippians 2:3-4 advises, ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’ By relinquishing our self-centered desires and prioritizing the needs of others, we emulate the sacrificial love of Christ and deepen our connection to His teachings. Let us heed the call of 1 Corinthians 10:24, ‘No one should seek their own good, but the good of others,’ and commit ourselves to a season of selflessness and compassion.

You’ve been meaning to stop using straws, plastic bags, and containers—there’s no better time than now to get into a better habit. Giving up the use of single-use plastic as a means of stewarding God’s creation and promoting environmental responsibility. As stewards of the Earth, we are called to care for and preserve the natural world. In Genesis 2:15, God entrusts humanity with the responsibility to ‘tend and keep’ the garden, emphasizing our role as caretakers of His creation. By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, we honor this divine mandate and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and ecological stewardship. Let us heed the wisdom of Psalm 24:1, ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it,’ and strive to protect and cherish the planet entrusted to our care.

Sure, there are certain things you can’t leave off of your to-do list. But over-committing to the unnecessary-but-nice-to-do stuff is a bad habit that can keep you from the real priorities in life. Giving up overscheduling yourself for Lent as a means of prioritizing rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal. In Mark 6:31, Jesus says to his disciples, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ By following Jesus’ example and making time for solitude and rejuvenation, we create space to deepen our relationship with God and discern His will for our lives.

Trade your carpool karaoke session for some quiet time. Use this uninterrupted time to grow closer to God through prayer and mindful reflection. Giving up listening to music in the car as a way to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and prayerful reflection. In Psalm 46:10, it is written, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ By embracing moments of silence during our daily commute, we create space to listen for God’s voice and experience His presence in the midst of our busy lives. Let us heed the advice of Psalm 37:7, ‘Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him,’ and use this Lenten season as an opportunity to tune our hearts to the rhythm of God’s grace.”

You could donate lightly worn pieces of clothing, toys, books or cans of food. Can’t find something one day? Give a compliment to a stranger or leave a 30% tip on your next meal if you can spare it.  Consider giving up excess things for Lent as a way to practice generosity and simplicity. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns against the accumulation of material possessions, saying, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’ By decluttering our lives and sharing our abundance with those in need, we embody the spirit of Christ’s teachings and participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Let us heed the words of 1 John 3:17, ‘If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?’ and embrace this season of Lent as an opportunity to demonstrate love and compassion through acts of generosity.

It can feel daunting to see your Bible on the shelf and know that you should probably be reading it, but you’re not sure how much time you’re really going to have, you don’t know where you should start, and maybe you’re not even sure if you’ll really understand what it’s saying. But as Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” It’s important to incorporate Bible study into your routine, and what better time to kick off this spiritual habit than during Lent?

Random acts of kindness are inspiring and usually make us all feel good when we hear about them. But sometimes the “random” part of these moments is misleading from the standpoint that you have to be looking for ways to make a difference (either observing who’s around you and what they might need or making a plan ahead of time). Instead of waiting for an obvious sign that you should do something impactful, you can spend Lent praying for frequent opportunities to spread kindness and hope to others, shining God’s light into the world. In Galatians 6:10, it is written, ‘Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.’ By seizing every opportunity to extend kindness, generosity, and compassion to others, we fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Not ready to give something up, but looking for a spiritual practice?

Take on a 40-day gratitude challenge and write one thank-you note, text or email each day. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your gratitude (although we highly recommend you do!), simply write down three things you’re thankful for each day in a journal or in your phone’s notes app.