I am interested in pursuing this for a variety of reasons, physical and spiritual. I am curious what your experience was and what I can expect.
TIA
TIA
Anyone fasted for 40 days and 40 nights?
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Last: 1 day ago by 94chem
What kind of fast? My only advice would be to do this under strict medical and spiritual guidance.
Medical for obvious reasons and spiritual because fasting can easily invert from being a significant positive to a significant negative without the support and guidance of a spiritual elder or counselor.
As with a prayer rule it's probably best to start off small and build up over time but maybe you have done this.
Medical for obvious reasons and spiritual because fasting can easily invert from being a significant positive to a significant negative without the support and guidance of a spiritual elder or counselor.
As with a prayer rule it's probably best to start off small and build up over time but maybe you have done this.
The answer is no. No one here has done that.
I find fasting to be one of the most difficult things to be successful at.
It's not the lack of food that's the problem, but getting into the proper spiritual mindset
If fasting is done correctly I don't think there's an amount of time required.
It's not a legal thing and the more you do of X then the more of Y you get. Quantity of time spent should not be your concern.
I don't know to what level of fasting you have done. I don't know all of your reasons for fasting, etc..
I may be giving advice to somebody much further along than me so I apologize if that's what I'm doing .
I find fasting to be one of the most difficult things to be successful at.
It's not the lack of food that's the problem, but getting into the proper spiritual mindset
If fasting is done correctly I don't think there's an amount of time required.
It's not a legal thing and the more you do of X then the more of Y you get. Quantity of time spent should not be your concern.
I don't know to what level of fasting you have done. I don't know all of your reasons for fasting, etc..
I may be giving advice to somebody much further along than me so I apologize if that's what I'm doing .
I've done 24-hour fasts as a gesture of solidarity with Israel for Tisha B'Av.
And I've gotta say: It's weird that we call it "fasting" when the time feels like it passes s-l-o-w-l-y.
And I've gotta say: It's weird that we call it "fasting" when the time feels like it passes s-l-o-w-l-y.
What do you mean by fasting?
If you mean, abstaining from certain foods - then yes. The fasting rule of the Orthodox Church on general fast days is no animal products (meat, eggs, dairy), no alcohol, and no olive oil. Or put another way, eat simply, avoid rich foods, and do not eat to fullness.
The Church does prescribe strict or "black" fasts on certain days of the year - for example, on the first three days of Lent, Good Friday, the eve of Nativity, and the beheading of St John the Forerunner.
If you mean abstaining from all food altogether - then no, and I don't recommend it. Fasting like anything else is a discipline, both spiritual and physical. Taking something like that on should be done with humility and under the guidance of a spiritual father. In general, extraordinary or extreme acts of asceticism should be taken with caution, because they offer temptations in both success and failure disproportionate to their spiritual benefit.
I am no spiritual father, but I can tell you 100% what mine would say. Keep the typical prayer rule of morning and evening prayers, and follow the fasting rule of the church as you have the strength - for example, abstaining from meat only on fasting days - for one year. If you can do that, glory to God! and move on to higher levels of asceticism.
If you mean, abstaining from certain foods - then yes. The fasting rule of the Orthodox Church on general fast days is no animal products (meat, eggs, dairy), no alcohol, and no olive oil. Or put another way, eat simply, avoid rich foods, and do not eat to fullness.
The Church does prescribe strict or "black" fasts on certain days of the year - for example, on the first three days of Lent, Good Friday, the eve of Nativity, and the beheading of St John the Forerunner.
If you mean abstaining from all food altogether - then no, and I don't recommend it. Fasting like anything else is a discipline, both spiritual and physical. Taking something like that on should be done with humility and under the guidance of a spiritual father. In general, extraordinary or extreme acts of asceticism should be taken with caution, because they offer temptations in both success and failure disproportionate to their spiritual benefit.
I am no spiritual father, but I can tell you 100% what mine would say. Keep the typical prayer rule of morning and evening prayers, and follow the fasting rule of the church as you have the strength - for example, abstaining from meat only on fasting days - for one year. If you can do that, glory to God! and move on to higher levels of asceticism.
agree 100% I recently completed a 5 day fast, after 36 hours I moved into a period of tremendous energy and clarity, it has me really really wanting to extend out to 21 days and then, eventually a fast of 40 days and 40 nightsSerotonin said:
What kind of fast? My only advice would be to do this under strict medical and spiritual guidance.
Medical for obvious reasons and spiritual because fasting can easily invert from being a significant positive to a significant negative without the support and guidance of a spiritual elder or counselor.
As with a prayer rule it's probably best to start off small and build up over time but maybe you have done this.
why?
why fast?Zobel said:
why?
there are a ton of physical and spiritual benefits to fasting that have been well documented for centuries,. for me personally I am always looking for ways to push this amazing gift (my body) that God has given me, sometimes that is challenging physical activities like extended hikes, sometimes it is yoga and moving meditation daily for an extended period time, but given the positive vibe I was in for my 5 day fast I am looking to see how far I can take it.
i mean why fast for 40 days?
i'm asking because if you're talking about spiritual benefits, i don't think it is necessary or good for you to do this. that's not the fasting discipline of the Church, which has been kind of like a spiritual lab for making holy people for centuries. you'd be better off - and likely much more challenged - keeping the discipline of the Church for a year than trying to fast for 40 days.
and if you're talking about physical benefits, i suppose i don't really care or have an opinion other than to say i think it's dangerous and risky to your health.
i'm asking because if you're talking about spiritual benefits, i don't think it is necessary or good for you to do this. that's not the fasting discipline of the Church, which has been kind of like a spiritual lab for making holy people for centuries. you'd be better off - and likely much more challenged - keeping the discipline of the Church for a year than trying to fast for 40 days.
and if you're talking about physical benefits, i suppose i don't really care or have an opinion other than to say i think it's dangerous and risky to your health.
I guess 40 days does seem arbitrary, but it was more in reference to the amount of time Jesus fasted.Zobel said:
i mean why fast for 40 days?
i'm asking because if you're talking about spiritual benefits, i don't think it is necessary or good for you to do this. that's not the fasting discipline of the Church, which has been kind of like a spiritual lab for making holy people for centuries. you'd be better off - and likely much more challenged - keeping the discipline of the Church for a year than trying to fast for 40 days.
and if you're talking about physical benefits, i suppose i don't really care or have an opinion other than to say i think it's dangerous and risky to your health.
Jesus didn't fast 40 days to glorify his body that God gave him.
There would be no spiritual value to 40 days I can imagine.
40 days day would be detrimental to your health. Probably long term.
1-5 days can be great.
There would be no spiritual value to 40 days I can imagine.
40 days day would be detrimental to your health. Probably long term.
1-5 days can be great.
I am not Orthodox but fast a day almost every week for different people and prayer requests.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Not for 40, but for all of Ramadan, certainly.
I was surprised to find out that fasting in most traditions is just giving up food, or certain types of food, but not water, which is what makes Ramadan fasting particularly difficult.
I was surprised to find out that fasting in most traditions is just giving up food, or certain types of food, but not water, which is what makes Ramadan fasting particularly difficult.
I've seen people do this and I would not recommend it. I've had to nurse a couple people back to health after fasts longer than one month. They did not talk to be about it beforehand. You get terrible intestinal atrophy and your pancreas stops working. Also really ups your risk for gallstones and other gallbladder complications that can be very serious and require emergent surgery. Even if you make it through the fast, it's about a half year recovery peroid before you can eat normally again.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Kevin James did a 40 day fast.
Is there any relation to fasting and killing parasites via the fast?
No food for 40 days? Yeah, sure, that sounds like a great idea
I don't see how for anyone other than Christ how fasting for 40 days can possibly be good you. Your body would be breaking down all its tissues to try to continue the most basic survival processes.CrackerJackAg said:
Jesus didn't fast 40 days to glorify his body that God gave him.
There would be no spiritual value to 40 days I can imagine.
40 days day would be detrimental to your health. Probably long term.
1-5 days can be great.
Moses and Elijah also fasted for 40 days. So, we're talking about
There is a very good chance that your idea is based in
There is also a good chance that
- the son of God;
- the greatest prophet who heralds each coming of the Messiah (as John in the gospels, and as a witness in Rev. 11); and
- the deliverer of the Law, who spoke to God face to face as one speaks to a friend, and who is also a great witness in Revelation.
There is a very good chance that your idea is based in
- vanity
- insanity, or at least a lack of stability
There is also a good chance that
- you will not survive
- you will be permanently impaired
- you will derive no benefit from this exercise
94chem,
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
Why Moses the witness in revelation?
Yukon Cornelius said:
Why Moses the witness in revelation?
I think it's fairly obvious, but less obvious than Elijah, from a straightforward reading of the text. First, they are the same figures who appear at the Transfiguration. Second, they symbolize the testimony of the Law and the Prophets. Jesus said if the Jews (and we, for that matter), had believed them, we would believe him. Third, the calling down of plagues is similar to Moses in Egypt.
I know some people like the Enoch angle, because he didn't die, according to some interpretations. But why don't we just leave Enoch where he was, and not try to force martyrdom on him? Moses and Elijah are the most logical answers answers.
94chem,
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
My wife did this back in 2017. However, it crashed her thyroid, and it took about 5 years to get it back to normal.
I only made it 13.5 days, myself. You have to be careful when you start re-feeding. My wife made me some yellow squash, and I have to tell you, that was the BEST squash I have ever had in my life!
I only made it 13.5 days, myself. You have to be careful when you start re-feeding. My wife made me some yellow squash, and I have to tell you, that was the BEST squash I have ever had in my life!
A lot of assumptions there. Which is fine. Sometimes you have to make them yourself to come to some interpretation. But still assumptions and far from anything definitive.
Why don't we leave Enoch where he is? This is a prime example. Completely arbitrary to ignore him because it's not convenient.
Also not sure how it's definitively related to the transfiguration.
One also has to conclude definitively it's literal people. Which I think is debatable.
Why don't we leave Enoch where he is? This is a prime example. Completely arbitrary to ignore him because it's not convenient.
Also not sure how it's definitively related to the transfiguration.
One also has to conclude definitively it's literal people. Which I think is debatable.
I didn't say it was literal. John the Baptist wasn't literally Elijah. It's just that Moses and Elijah are the 2 figures that immediately come to mind when reading the passage, if you consider the entirety of the Bible.
For example, the first time I studied Revelation, I didn't remember that Elijah had made the rain stop for 3.5 years, even though the story is right there in the OT and even James retells it. Of course, when I recalled those stories, it was obvious that it was Elijah, and that Elijah would appear before each coming of Messiah.
As for Moses, the Jews continually invoked his name during Jesus' ministry. And, as he told them, they actually had rejected Moses. Again, in Rev. 11, they have another chance to listen to Moses, but they in fact - along with the world - celebrate his death. The Law and the Prophets herald the Messiah and point toward him, even with miraculous signs, but the world rejects them. Verse 6 all but states that it's referring to Moses.
For example, the first time I studied Revelation, I didn't remember that Elijah had made the rain stop for 3.5 years, even though the story is right there in the OT and even James retells it. Of course, when I recalled those stories, it was obvious that it was Elijah, and that Elijah would appear before each coming of Messiah.
As for Moses, the Jews continually invoked his name during Jesus' ministry. And, as he told them, they actually had rejected Moses. Again, in Rev. 11, they have another chance to listen to Moses, but they in fact - along with the world - celebrate his death. The Law and the Prophets herald the Messiah and point toward him, even with miraculous signs, but the world rejects them. Verse 6 all but states that it's referring to Moses.
94chem,
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
Rex Racer said:
My wife did this back in 2017. However, it crashed her thyroid, and it took about 5 years to get it back to normal.
I only made it 13.5 days, myself. You have to be careful when you start re-feeding. My wife made me some yellow squash, and I have to tell you, that was the BEST squash I have ever had in my life!
What the hell did y'all pull a stunt like that for?
I just have to mention my favorite all time wacky Bible theory: Enoch was cast into the future like Samurai Jack and became Elijah. Then he was cast into the future again to announce the end times
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
One could argue it more symbolically referring to Aaron than Moses. Revelation 11 shares many themes to exodus 27. But ultimately it's not likely referring to two Individuals but symbolically a group of people. And furthermore it's likely already taken place.
But to your original point I agree people probably shouldn't be doing 40 days fasts haha. Sorry for the derail.
But to your original point I agree people probably shouldn't be doing 40 days fasts haha. Sorry for the derail.
Weight loss. It worked great for me, but middle-aged women shouldn't do it without supervision from a doctor.Captain Pablo said:Rex Racer said:
My wife did this back in 2017. However, it crashed her thyroid, and it took about 5 years to get it back to normal.
I only made it 13.5 days, myself. You have to be careful when you start re-feeding. My wife made me some yellow squash, and I have to tell you, that was the BEST squash I have ever had in my life!
What the hell did y'all pull a stunt like that for?
It did NOT take years to be able to eat normally like was mentioned above. You need to be careful and eat mild foods at first, but within a week of her ending her fast, we were in Las Vegas eating whatever we wanted with no ill effects.
Rex Racer said:Weight loss. It worked great for me, but middle-aged women shouldn't do it without supervision from a doctor.Captain Pablo said:Rex Racer said:
My wife did this back in 2017. However, it crashed her thyroid, and it took about 5 years to get it back to normal.
I only made it 13.5 days, myself. You have to be careful when you start re-feeding. My wife made me some yellow squash, and I have to tell you, that was the BEST squash I have ever had in my life!
What the hell did y'all pull a stunt like that for?
It did NOT take years to be able to eat normally like was mentioned above. You need to be careful and eat mild foods at first, but within a week of her ending her fast, we were in Las Vegas eating whatever we wanted with no ill effects.
Is abstaining from food for 40 days is a healthy way to lose weight?
Captain Pablo said:Rex Racer said:Weight loss. It worked great for me, but middle-aged women shouldn't do it without supervision from a doctor.Captain Pablo said:Rex Racer said:
My wife did this back in 2017. However, it crashed her thyroid, and it took about 5 years to get it back to normal.
I only made it 13.5 days, myself. You have to be careful when you start re-feeding. My wife made me some yellow squash, and I have to tell you, that was the BEST squash I have ever had in my life!
What the hell did y'all pull a stunt like that for?
It did NOT take years to be able to eat normally like was mentioned above. You need to be careful and eat mild foods at first, but within a week of her ending her fast, we were in Las Vegas eating whatever we wanted with no ill effects.
Is abstaining from food for 40 days is a healthy way to lose weight?
Depends on the person. If you are obese and under a doctor's care, you can do an extended fast safely. I wouldn't personally recommend more than a week, myself. My wife got it in her head that she wanted to do 40 days, and once she decides something, there is no stopping her. Even she says she would not do it knowing what she knows now.
I recommend intermittent fasting (18-6), myself. I can lose weight quite effectively, and it's much safer and more comfortable.
Rex Racer said:Captain Pablo said:Rex Racer said:Weight loss. It worked great for me, but middle-aged women shouldn't do it without supervision from a doctor.Captain Pablo said:Rex Racer said:
My wife did this back in 2017. However, it crashed her thyroid, and it took about 5 years to get it back to normal.
I only made it 13.5 days, myself. You have to be careful when you start re-feeding. My wife made me some yellow squash, and I have to tell you, that was the BEST squash I have ever had in my life!
What the hell did y'all pull a stunt like that for?
It did NOT take years to be able to eat normally like was mentioned above. You need to be careful and eat mild foods at first, but within a week of her ending her fast, we were in Las Vegas eating whatever we wanted with no ill effects.
Is abstaining from food for 40 days is a healthy way to lose weight?
Depends on the person. If you are obese and under a doctor's care, you can do an extended fast safely. I wouldn't personally recommend more than a week, myself. My wife got it in her head that she wanted to do 40 days, and once she decides something, there is no stopping her. Even she says she would not do it knowing what she knows now.
I recommend intermittent fasting (18-6), myself. I can lose weight quite effectively, and it's much safer and more comfortable.
Agreed. 18/6 can work quite effectively
94chem,
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
That, sir, was the greatest post in the history of TexAgs. I salute you. -- Dough
94chem said:
Well said
so this was a fun thread about anorexia. I think we all learned something today.
A couple of potential alternatives?
Abstain from Meat every Friday as Catholics used to.
Fast from Midnight until after Sunday Mass as Catholics used to.
Abstain from Meat every Friday as Catholics used to.
Fast from Midnight until after Sunday Mass as Catholics used to.