15 Ways to Fast for Lent

15 Fasts for Lent

Fasting is a path to peace and happiness. That's right: fasting, the practice of abstaining from food or drink for meals, days, and even weeks at a time, is one of the most powerful ways we have of becoming closer to God and finding true joy. Self-denial leads to a greater sense of wholeness. That's why Christians have fasted for thousands of years, and it's why Lent, the 6-week period etween Ash Wednesday and Easter, is a time of serious fasting.

Unless you're an Orthodox Christian, however, you don't have to simply fast from food. Many Christians today are creative about fasting, and Lent can be a time of shedding whatever is standing between you and God. To get started, read our list of 15 ways to fast, and pray about how God would have you draw closer to him during this important season.