Discussion Series | Rooted | 1. What Is Lent And Why Should We Care?
In this first episode of Rooted, Pastor Steve and I explore the roots and modern practice of Lent, and what it should mean to us all.
We’ve created a “Beginner’s Guide to Lent Fasting” resource including simple fast options, weekly rhythms, and reflection questions.
If you’ve never observed Lent before, this is designed to help you start small, biblically, and without spiritual performance.
View it below.
LENT BEGINNER RESOURCE PACK
A Simple Guide for First-Time Observers
1. What Is Fasting?
Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (or something meaningful) for a spiritual purpose. It does not earn grace or favor from God. It creates space to hunger for Him.
• Matthew 6:16–18
• Joel 2:12–13
• Isaiah 58
• Matthew 4:1–4
2. Beginner Fast Options
• Option 1: One-Meal Fast – Skip one meal once per week and use that time for prayer and
Scripture.
• Option 2: Sunrise-to-Sunset Fast – Fast during the day and break with a simple dinner.
• Option 3: Media / Comfort Fast – Abstain from social media, streaming, sugar, or coffee.
• Option 4: Partial (Daniel-Style) Fast – Simple foods only; no desserts, alcohol, or luxury
Foods.
3. How To Break a Fast
Do not binge or overeat. Break your fast slowly with something simple (eggs, broth, avocado etc.). Thank God and reflect on what you learned during the fast.
4. Weekly Lent Rhythm
• Daily: 5–10 minutes in Scripture and one short prayer of repentance.
• Weekly: One intentional fast and one extended prayer time.
• Sunday: Feast and celebrate the grace of Christ. (with healthy, whole foods)
5. Reflection Questions
• What do I run to for comfort besides Jesus?
• What surfaces in my heart when I’m hungry?
• Where am I spiritually distracted?
• What does deeper repentance look like?
• How can this prepare me to celebrate the resurrection?
Beginner’s Lent Prayer Sample
Lord, teach me to hunger rightly. Strip away distraction. Expose what competes for my love. Let this season make me desperate for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Medical & Wisdom Note
If you are pregnant, diabetic, underweight, have eating disorders, or medical concerns, consult a physician before fasting from food. Fasting is meant to draw you to Christ, not harm your body.
If you are looking to dive further into the weightloss and health benefits of fasting, here are the resources we discussed in the episode.
This Amazon link is for a book that breaks down the science of fasting and emphasizes safe practices. The nutritional advice provided can help you maintain healthy eating habits even when you're not fasting. You should definitely read it.
“The Obesity Code” Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss (Why Intermittent Fasting Is the Key to Controlling Your Weight) by Jason Fung, MD
This next Amazon link is for the cookbook companion for “The Obesity Code”. It is invaluable when providing options for clean eating that don't sacrifice flavor or variety.
“The Obesity Code Cookbook” Recipes to Help You Manage Insulin, Lose Weight, and Improve Your Health (The Wellness Code)
And here are the links to the book recommendations that Pastor Steve made:
“Counterfeit Gods”: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Timothy Keller
“The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen