allsaintsjonesboro Why We Do What We Do

Fasting in Lent: A Guide

What follows is a guide for God’s people at All Saints, and for others who might find it useful.

This post is part of a new “Why We Do What We Do” series, explaining the biblical and historic practices of the Church.

For many centuries, Christians have observed Lent as a season of repentance, prayer, and renewal. One of the ancient practices associated with this season is fasting. In recent years, All Saints has been recovering this discipline—not as a burden, but as a gift. As we approach Lent, it is helpful to consider what fasting is, why Christians have practiced it, and how it may be undertaken faithfully in the freedom of the Gospel.

The Scriptural Foundation

Fasting appears throughout Holy Scripture. Moses fasted on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34). David fasted in repentance (Psalm 35). The prophet Joel called Israel to “return to the Lord” with fasting (Joel 2:12). Our Lord Jesus Himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4), and He assumed that His disciples would fast: “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16), not “if.”

In the Book of Acts, the early Church fasted in times of prayer and discernment (Acts 13:2–3). Fasting, then, is not a medieval invention, nor a foreign custom. It belongs to the biblical life of God’s people.

Fasting and the Gospel

As Lutheran Christians, we are careful to confess that fasting does not earn God’s favor. It does not forgive sins. It does not make us more worthy of salvation. There is only one sacrifice for sin: the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Any attempt to use fasting as payment for sin turns it into a false work and robs Christ of His glory.

For this reason, Scripture and the Confessions place no binding laws on how Christians must fast. Practices have differed across centuries and cultures. As St. Irenaeus observed long ago, “differences in fasting do not destroy the unity of faith.” We fast, not by compulsion, but in freedom.

What Is Fasting?

Fasting and abstinence are related but distinct.

To fast is to eat less—to experience hunger.

To abstain is to refrain from certain foods, such as meat or rich foods.

The traditional fast of the Western Church was 1/4 meal for breakfast and lunch and a simple evening meal. Abstinence—especially from meat—was commonly practiced on Fridays.

The specific form of fasting may vary according to health, age, vocation, and circumstance. The goal is not to imitate a particular rule, but to practice moderation and self-discipline before God.

Why Do We Fast?

Our Small Catechism teaches that bodily discipline is “a fine outward training.” Fasting trains the Christian body and soul.

First, fasting teaches self-control. St. Paul writes that he disciplines his body lest he become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27). In a culture of constant indulgence, fasting reminds us that we are not slaves to appetite. Second, fasting deepens repentance. Hunger humbles us. It reminds us of our weakness and our dependence on God’s mercy. Third, fasting strengthens prayer. When we deny ourselves food, we become more attentive to our need for God. Physical hunger points us to a deeper hunger: “My soul thirsts for God” (Psalm 42:2). Fourth, fasting cultivates compassion. Going hungry in small measure unites us with those who lack daily bread. What we save through simpler living can be given to those in need.

Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving

Traditionally, fasting has never stood alone. It belongs with prayer and almsgiving—the three classic Lenten disciplines. By eating less, we often gain more time for prayer and Scripture. By spending less on food, we gain more resources for charity. Thus Lent becomes not a season of grim self-denial, but of renewed devotion and generosity.

How Might We Practice Fasting?

Each Christian should approach fasting thoughtfully and prayerfully. Some possibilities include:

• Eating smaller or simpler meals during Lent

• Abstaining from meat on Fridays

• Giving up rich foods, snacks, or alcohol

• Observing partial fasts on certain days

• Limiting eating between meals

Those with medical needs, demanding vocations, or other limitations should not burden their consciences. God desires mercy, not harm.

Begin modestly. Choose a discipline that is realistic. Pair it with prayer.

The True Purpose

Fasting is not about self-improvement. It is about re-centering our lives on Christ. By loosening our grip on earthly comforts, we learn again that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

In the freedom of the Gospel, we discipline our flesh, strengthen our faith, and prepare our hearts to walk with Christ to the cross—and then to rejoice in His resurrection. May this coming Lenten season be for us a joyful time of repentance, renewal, and deeper trust in our gracious Lord.

Series: Why We Do What We Do

Understanding the theology, Scripture, and historic practice of Christian worship at All Saints.

In This Series:

allsaintsjonesboro Sermons

Any Time Now

A sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent, by Fr. Josh Leigeber.

The New Heaven and the New Earth, from the Great East Window of York Minster, c. 1405-1408. 

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, discouraging, and disordered, it’s easy to find ourselves echoing the impatient cry, “Any time now, Lord.” But Scripture reminds us that God’s seeming slowness is actually divine patience—patience for our sake, that we might be drawn to repentance and prepared for Christ’s return.

In this Advent 2 sermon, we explore how God meets our impatience with His mercy, how He prepares our hearts through His Word and Sacraments, and how Christians can lift their heads with confidence even as the world trembles.

Listen to the full sermon below and be encouraged: Christ truly comes—now in grace, and soon in glory.

allsaintsjonesboro Sermons

Sinners Called by Christ

On the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Sept. 21), Fr. Jerome Leckband reminded us that Matthew’s story is not one of a flawless saint but of a sinner called by Christ. Sitting at his tax booth, Matthew heard Jesus’ words, “Follow me,”—words that are spoken to every sinner, including us.

Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy full of sinners, showing how God works through the broken to fulfill His promises. It also proclaims Jesus as Immanuel—God with us, a promise repeated at the Gospel’s end: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Fr. Leckband reflected on Caravaggio’s painting The Calling of Saint Matthew, where the tax collector wrestles between clinging to his money and rising to follow Christ. This moment captures discipleship: leaving behind false masters to follow the true Lord. Following Jesus means daily dying to sin and rising with Him—a journey lived out in our vocations as spouses, parents, workers, citizens, and members of Christ’s Church.

Just as Matthew was called into a unique service as apostle and evangelist, we too are called to serve Christ where God has placed us. And through it all, Jesus remains God with us—in His Word, in Baptism, in the Supper, and in His Church—until He comes again. Listen to the entire sermon below.