Fasting and Prayer: A Guide to Deepening Your Catholic Faith

What’s the real meaning of love?

The definition of love is visible on the cross on which the son of God died by taking all the sins of this world. There is no other love than this. Fasting and prayer connect us with this agape love. As we sacrifice worldly pleasures, we get closer to His sacrificial love, and fasting is a great way to express our gratitude towards God. Prayer is the most powerful thing to do when you fast. It has long been central to Catholic life that draws us closer to God.

Let’s explore how every individual can deepen their Catholic faith through fasting and praying using modern prayer apps.

How Fasting and Prayer are Connected

In the Christian faith, especially in Catholicism, fasting has more significance. Fasting and prayer are deeply interconnected, which is evident in Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament. They combine core practices of Christian spirituality and faith. Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, which is a true example of fasting. He fasted and prayed, and He relied on the power of God to face temptation.

Jesus has already given us a role model for overcoming temptation with fasting and prayer through aligning our hearts with God’s wil, where we can see the connection between these two processes in a Christian life. Fasting has the power to discipline our body and mind. During that time, pair our mind and heart with prayer and scripture reading and feel the spiritual transformation that can soothe your soul, strengthen your faith, and nurture your spiritual journey. Thus, when fasting and prayer are combined in your life, you can feel the difference of growing closer to God every time.

Fasting and faith, two different words, but interconnected with each other, as you fast, your faith increases. But many people are unaware of how to fast. 

The Right Way for Fasting Prayer

Fasting and faith are connected to each other in order to build a strong spiritual life rooted in faith and fully surrendering to God. Even though it is a sacred discipline, not all fasting pleases God, as we can see in the New Testament and the Old Testament in the Holy Bible. When we look to the Old Testament, we can find scenarios where the Lord was displeased with the fasting of people without repentance and compassion (Isaiah 58 and Zechariah 7:5). In the New Testament, Jesus warns against fasting to get attention in the world. Returning to God with all your heart must be the center of fasting. Prayer in the Catholic faith is important as it connects you with God as you fast. Fasting is not merely an external act to show, but an internal act of love, humility, and commitment. Do it in the right way.

Here are some activities that can help you grow stronger in faith during fasting.

1. Sing hymn: Start with singing a song of praises and thanksgiving.
2. Scripture reading: Read the Bible carefully and listen to the verses to understand what God has to say to you.
3. Worship: Give thanks to the Lord for everything He has done for you. Give Him praises.
4. Meditate on God’s word: Take time to meditate on each verse and word in the portion you read, and realize how those words can be applied to your life to lead a purposeful life.
5. Prayer: Prayer is powerful during fasting. It is an action of love and devotion where you speak directly to God, praying for you and others. 

Practical Tips for Effective Fasting and Prayer

• Develop a focused mind and heart that think of God alone.
• Read Scripture during fasting. You can read Psalms, Gospels, etc.
• Join Catholic communities or use daily Catholic devotion apps like Santo.
• Journal your reflections and prayers.
• Try different types of fasting such as drink only water, fast a day in a week, skip one meal in a day, etc.

The Role of Fasting and Prayer in Catholic Faith

People often forget to pray in their busy lives and take pride in everything they do. But where is their spiritual journey? What is their connection with God? How are they in spiritual life? Do they really have a good connection with God?

Even in your busy life, you can foster your faith with just two activities: fasting and prayer. Fasting is a way of surrendering yourself to God, and prayer is the activity that takes you closer to God when you surrender. It is more than a spiritual ritual, discipline, or tradition that every Catholic should do. Fasting prayer is a commitment that shape a Catholic’s identity and are a reminder of the need to surrender oneself before God.

People think that fasting is just about dieting or not eating food. We do not have food while we fast, but it is not the same as the dieting everyone does to take care of their body. Abstaining from food with prayer sustains you in the Catholic faith. It is a way to purify the soul, inner mind, and heart, and the best way to get a deep connection with God by avoiding worldly pleasures. Fasting is humbling yourself, reminding us of the sacrifice of Christ. During fasting, prayer is the communication with God. It is the moment we pour out our hearts in God’s presence. Through prayer, we receive guidance, comfort, and peace during fasting. Thus, fasting and praying hold vital roles in shaping Catholic belief.

Fasting in Catholicism helps believers to stay rooted in faith. Especially in a country like Canada, where Catholic faith preservation is essential, encouraging people to fast and pray is the right method. So that we can pass on our Catholic faith and discipline from generation to generation. Lent fasting and prayer are also important for Catholic faith preservation in Canada.

Spiritual Benefits You Get Through Fasting

Every Christian needs to develop the nine positive characteristics that are named as “fruits of the Spirit” mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These nine virtues make us grateful for our lives. If you also wish to gain these qualities, then fasting and prayer are the best practices. Besides, fasting in Catholicism also offers many other benefits, and let’s see some of them:

• Gives you more time to meditate on God’s word and spend time in prayer. So you can be in consistent communication with Him.
• As you are in fasting prayer, you will get the strength to overcome temptations. It will increase your self-control, grow patience, and develop mental health and discipline.
• Rejuvenating your soul and mind. It takes away negative thoughts from the mind, fills the heart with hope, love, patience, kindness, and other good qualities.
• Allows time to evaluate spiritual goals and values. Helps align your daily life with God’s teachings.
• Gives you peace and protection. You will feel like everything is under the control of God; thus, you can lead a worry-free life.
• Supports lasting habits that strengthen Catholic faith over time. It encourages gratitude and compassion in life.

Common Misconceptions About Fasting and Prayer

Let’s differentiate some myths and their realities about fasting and prayer:

• Many people think that fasting means just dieting or giving up food. The reality is, fasting is all about purifying and taking the heart closer to God.

• Fasting prayer is only for asking God to get what people wish is another misconception. In reality, fasting is not just asking something; it is a reflection of talking with God, listening to Him through a more focused mind, and allowing hearts to choose God’s will.

• Some think that fasting earns God’s favor. Fasting is not a way to “buy” blessings; it is an act of love, humility, and obedience to God.

• Long or extreme fasting is required to be holy. But quality, sincerity, and consistency matter more than the length or intensity of fasting.

• The new generation thinks that they do not need to follow such things as they are outdated and irrelevant. But they remain essential for spiritual growth and Catholic faith preservation.

• People consider fasting as an isolation process. It is a myth. Fasting prayer can also be communal, supporting and strengthening the faith of others.

• People say that you have to be perfect to fast or pray. But God values the intention and effort of the heart. Imperfections don’t disqualify anyone.

Santo Mission App to Deepen Your Fasting Prayer Journey

Deepen your faith journey with the Santo App, which is the right companion for lakhs of Catholics. In this powerful app you can see Catholic prayer requests, powerful prayers during fasting, daily devotions, etc. that can be added to your fasting to restore your heart. More than just another application, the Santo Mission App is a true companion who can be with you every time and help you grow spiritually every day. As prayer in the Catholic faith is vital, this daily Catholic prayer app, Santo Mission, consists of many powerful prayers during fasting. Besides, you can pray for others in the section of Catholic prayer requests. So that you can make most of the fasting time fruitful. With these simple small steps, Catholic faith preservation in Canada is possible.

To wrap up, we can simply say fasting and praying is not something that should be followed forcefully. It is a commitment to God. It is a showcase of love, love for God, and understanding God’s love towards you. It is the time that takes us closer to Him. So take a decision now whether you need to be like them mentioned in Matthew 6:16 or a true follower of Jesus Christ. Be ready to surrender yourself, find God’s will, and live accordingly. Make the Santo daily Catholic prayer app your companion on your way. Download the app now. God bless you!