Fasting can help us focus on prayer

“Give ear to me and hear my prayer”

(Psalm 17:6 NIV)

As a young girl, I was perplexed when my friend told me her sister was giving up chocolate for Lent. First, I was puzzled because I didn’t know what Lent was. And secondly, I couldn’t imagine anyone giving up chocolate!

This week begins the season of Lent when many Christians observe the spiritual principle of fasting for 40 days, starting with Ash Wednesday and ending Easter Sunday.

Some like to indulge in foods they love on Fat Tuesday, which is the day before they take the plunge to deny themselves for Lent.

Not all Christians observe the Lenten season. I mention it, because I think it is an example of fasting and prayer, which many Christians do partake of, and is a form of prayer demonstrated to us by Jesus Christ.

When we listen to Jesus’ instructions, he informed us there are times for fasting when we pray. Mostly, this means to abstain from something, such as a meal, a special food or an activity we love.

When we fast, we give up something that hinders or interferes with our prayer life. You know: that doom scrolling, texting or gaming that you love so much.

Fasting can also be done to help us overcome a habit we’ve been trying to break, or clear our conscience so we can hear from God more clearly. I don’t understand all the benefits, but it is an exceptional form of prayer that most of us don’t partake in, except at Lent.

We can fast from any number of things. The item and the amount of time paused from it is up to the individual. Some people fast for only a day or two, while others enter a 40-day fast (like Jesus often did). Whatever the individual chooses, I believe it’s something a person must feel right about before giving it a try.

After the fast is over, most people go back to their normal behavior patterns, like my girlfriend’s sister. She couldn’t wait for Lent to end because that meant it was Easter and she could devour chocolate from her Easter basket.

I believe taking a deliberate pause from something for Lent is honoring to God and puts our focus on him. Whether we decide to fast or not, I think the most important component of sacred prayer is that we do it with a sincere heart.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.