How to Plan a Lenten Fast
Every year Catholics discuss what they are giving up for Lent. Some give up chocolate or desserts, others forgo television or computer use. These Lenten fasts are meant to draw the participants closer to God.
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Instructions
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Think about the activities that take you away from God. For example, if you watch TV instead of praying, shut off the television during this period and participate in mindful prayer. Fill with prayer the time that was consumed by any activity you give up.
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Plan realistically. Fasting should challenge you, but make sure it is possible. Don't promise yourself to pray for three hours straight a day when you know you can only make it through 30 minutes. Or break up the prayer into manageable chunks, such as 3 half-hour sessions divided between the morning, afternoon and before bed.
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Pray about it. God will help you decide how to fast.
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Find someone to be your Lenten buddy. Share with each other about your plan for Lent and meet once a week to discuss how you are doing. When you and your buddy can't be in the same place, use email. If your Lenten buddy fails to keep his fast for a week encourage him to do better in the next week.
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Tips & Warnings
During lent you can give up anything that is meaningful to you, including meat, sweets or any other food, Facebook, instant messenger and your favorite websites.
Don't forget to keep the fasts required by the Church. On Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent, you must abstain from meat and eat only one meal each day. In addition to the one meal you can have up to two snacks, as long as they don't add up to one meal.
