By: Rev. Rebecca Trefz, Dakotas Conference Southeast District Superintendent and Director of Ministries, Rev. Rob Salmonson, Clark and Garden City UMCs, Andrea Plueddeman, Fargo First UMC

Fasting is a powerful means of grace and the most neglected. It is powerful because fasting is a physical self-emptying that connects us with Christ (Philippians 2:7) and opens our hearts to his grace. Fasting is neglected for a at least one very good reason: people are naturally reluctant to voluntarily refrain from eating. No one wants to go hungry. Especially when we are bombarded by messages at all times of the day to eat and drink.

In this episode we talk about fasting as a means of grace. Joining in the conversation are Rev. Robbie Salmonson who serves at Clark and Garden City United Methodist Churches and Andrea Plueddeman, who is the director of youth ministries at First United Methodist Church in Fargo, North Dakota.

Here is some background on fasting as a means of grace

• Fasting typically means anything from skipping a meal at least once a week to refraining from eating for 24 hours. Jesus practiced fasting as part of his Jewish life, and he also taught the disciples to fast.
• John Wesley practiced a weekly fast from sundown on Thursday to sundown on Friday.
• Fasting is a physical self-emptying that connects us with Christ (Philippians 2:7) and opens our hearts to his grace. 

Scripture references:
“‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18, NRSV).

But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:7-8, CEB)

Key questions:
When you think about fasting as a means of grace, what comes to mind?
How would you interpret fasting as a means of grace?
What does Matthew 6:16-18 and Philippians 2:7-8, or other scriptures mean to you about fasting as a means of grace?
How does fasting in today’s world, strengthening our relationship with God and others?

Resources on fasting as a means of grace:
Means of Grace: Fasting and Holy Communion: Rev. Renaldo Hernadez and Rev. Penny Stacy share their thoughts reagarding fasting and Holy Communion as a means of grace, with Emily Snell, writer for United Methodist Communications.

Fasting the most neglected means of grace: Rev. Steven W. Manskar, D. Min., is a clergy member of the Minnesota Conference of The United Methodist Church. He shares scriptural and practical thoughts on fasting as a means of grace.

The place of fasting in the Christian life: Thomas A. Tarrants, author and President Emeritus of the C.S. Lewis Institute writes about the history, theological basis, and practical applications of fasting as a means of grace.
 

Resources on the means of grace:
The Means of Grace: Ministry Matters responds to the questions—what are the “means of grace”? What does that phrase mean? United Methodists and other Methodists worldwide trace the phrase “means of grace” back to John Wesley. 

The Wesleyan Means of Grace: United Methodist Communications writes John Wesley taught that God's grace is unearned. As we look at the means of grace today, they can be divided into works of piety and the works of mercy.

Skit Guys–Grace: In this conversation between Jesus and Peter, grace is illustrated when Jesus forgives the unforgivable. A video by Skit Guys.

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