2. FASTING

3. FASTING
“But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days” Mark 2:20

4. FASTING AIMS

5. FASTING AIMS
CLOSER TO GOD

6. FASTING AIMS

7. FASTING AIMS
SELF CONTROL

8. Fasting aims To get closer to God by developing self control
of bodily desire to elevate the Spirit.

9. WHAT IS SELF CONTROL

10. WHAT IS SELF CONTROL
BALANCE

11. WHAT IS SELF CONTROL

12. WHAT IS SELF CONTROL
BODY & SPIRIT

13. Balance Outward part - Body Inward part - Spirit
Self Control
Balance
Outward part - Body
Inward part - Spirit

14. “For the flesh lusts against the
Self Control
“For the flesh lusts against the
Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other; so that you cannot do the things that you would” (Galatians 5; 17)

15. Abstain from bodily desires Prayer Charity
The way to fasting
Abstain from bodily desires
Prayer
Charity

16. What are examples of fasting in the Old Testament?

18. MOSES

20. ELIJAH

22. JONAH

23. ADAM & EVE

24. ADAM & EVE

25. Fasting in the Old Testament
Character
Story
Moses
40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the 10 commandments
Elijah
40 days before meeting God on the mountain
Jonah
Ninevah fast to spare their lives
Adam & Eve
Originally did not eat meat when they were a pure image of man before eating from the forbidden tree

26. What are the Church fasting periods?

27. Church Fasting Periods
Days
Reason
Great Lent 55
Preparation week + 40 days + Holy Week
Nativity 43
40 days + 3 days for Mokatom Mountain
Apostles
Varies
Pentecost to 12 July
Virgin Mary 15
Ascension of St Mary’s body
Jonah 3
Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish
Weekly
2/week
Wednesday – remembrance of Juda’s betrayal
Friday – remembrance of the Crucifixion

28. Benefits of fasting
Spiritual growth – through strengthening the spirit
Healthier diet – vegetarian food is healthier than meat products

29. Are you going to fast?