INTRO | Lent 2025 Guided Prayers: Fasting, Giving, Feasting Audio (part 1)

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of our 40-day journey through Lent, a time to reflect and draw near to God. Over the next seven weeks leading up to Easter, we will be exploring Matthew 6 and the practices of fasting, giving, and feasting together.

Why do we fast, give, and feast? Simply put, because God told us to. Throughout scripture, God tells His people to do these three things. 

So, what are they? 

Biblically, fasting is the practice of not eating for a period of time for the sake of spiritual nourishment. Giving is sharing what we have with others. And feasting is a communal celebration involving good food and drink. 

But why did God command these? 

We now know of many benefits for our physical and mental health. Fasting can reduce inflammation, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and improve mood. Being generous can increase empathy, foster a sense of purpose, and reduce depression and anxiety. Feasting can boost dopamine and endorphins, reduce stress, and deepen social connections, all of which are associated with a longer life span!  

But how could they bring us closer to God? 

Consider this. Each requires the participation of our whole selves–mind, body, and spirit–all created in His image. And, if we are made in His image, then there must be something of Him that we are able (and created) to experience and embody in each of these practices. 

In the next session we’ll take a deeper dive and see what God could have waiting for us to discover through fasting, giving, and feasting.

Each week there is a guided prayer designed to help you meditate on God’s word and hear from the Holy Spirit to respond to his love and kindness. 

We designed these to be short and easy for you to take a few minutes of your day to turn on and connect with God. Whether that is while you take a walk, drive in the car, or do chores or time set aside. We pray these prayers would meet you right where you are and God would use them to grow you closer to him and the community around you.