A Prayer for Fasting

Joe Paprocki Lent

prayer for fasting - text on purple background

Loving Father, your Son, Jesus, was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert where he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. There, he learned to rely on you and not on bread alone.

May the same Holy Spirit guide me as I enter into this experience of fasting.

May this fast remind me of my complete dependence on you and your grace.

May it unite me in solidarity with those who suffer from hunger each and every day and lead me to share what I have with others.

May each grumble of my stomach be a sacramental for me—a reminder of my hunger for you and of how you satisfy that hunger.

May the discipline of fasting help me to grow in patience, humility, generosity, and compassion.

On this day, I offer my fast for the intention of ___________________________________________.

Be with me now, as I walk away from this meal and, when the time is right, guide me back to this table in good health of mind, body, and spirit, and with increased gratitude for your abundant blessings.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

—Joe Paprocki, DMin

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About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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7 Comments

  2. I heard you on Relevant Radio this morning and went to your website as soon as I got out of the car. Thank you so much for this beautiful prayer. It will make my fasting so much more focused and meaningful. I hope to share it with others.
    May your Lenten Season be rich in graces.
    Arlyss

    Reply

  3. Joe,
    Thanks for sharing this prayer with us….each time my stomach rumbles it reminds me that I am doing this not for myself but Jesus.

    Carina

    Reply

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