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When You Fast: Jesus Has Provided The Solution
There are many references to fasting in Scripture. In Saint Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 5, Jesus puts the solution in front of us when he says, “When you fast.” He doesn’t say “If you fast,” but “When you fast.” As Christians, we’re supposed to imitate Jesus. Jesus fasted before every major event in His life. Jesus also tells us that “nothing is impossible for us.” Fasting was so important that Jesus taught it to His disciples to be used as a special deterrent against evil. These are the same evils that plague our world the attack on life, the attack on the family, the attack on our religious freedoms, and the attack on Christianity as a whole. It’s especially important to recognize that our actions and our participation can change all of this evil. This is why we are being told by Jesus that “nothing is impossible for us.” In this short booklet, you’ll learn how fasting is a spiritual weapon. You’ll also learn the basics of fasting, what saints, prophets and popes have had to say about fasting, and testimonials of people whose lives have been changed through fasting. “The power of fasting with prayer is biblical (Matthew 17:20 from the St. Joseph Bible, New Edition). Jesus said that there are certain demons that cannot be cast out but through prayer and fasting. The two are a powerful team and Andy LaVallee, through his book, provides us with means to accomplish this goal.” Jim and Kerri Caviezel "When You Fast isn’t just one of the best and most thorough books on fasting. In a word, it’s inspiring. Author Andrew LaVallee shares both the physical and spiritual benefits of fasting, from calming our own anxieties to bringing peace to our troubled world. From healing family rifts to opening another’s heart, mind, and soul to the idea of conversion. When You Fast can be a key—can be your key—to a closer relationship with God." Susan Tassone, Author of St. Faustina Prayer Book for the Conversion of Sinners “Andy LaVallee has provided the method, the motive and the means for the spiritual discipline of fasting. His book explains why fasting is important and encourages many to take part in this vital aspect of spiritual warfare in the world today.” Fr. Dwight Longenecker, Pastor, Speaker, Blogger and Author of Mystery of the the Quest to Identify the Three Wise Men
- GenresChristianSpirituality
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2017
361 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 16, 2018
Praying and fasting go hand-in-hand, yet most Christians are big proponents of prayer while all but ignoring fasting outside of the mere two required days of fasting set by the Catholic Church.
Andrew LaVallee is a cheerleader for fasting and its integration into the Catholic life. When You Fast makes the case for its value, spiritually as well as physically, using LaVallee's personal conversion and adherence to regular bread and water fasts as examples.
Some points are repeated, and there is frequent reference to the alleged Marian apparitions at Medjugorje throughout. Even if you are skeptical of the apparitions, you won't find anything here contrary to the consistent messages of the Gospel, the Church, and the saints in promoting fasting.
LaVallee's insights helped me to think about fasting in new ways, and as he says, the most important part of fasting is to start. That being the case, this book is a good primer and motivator. I hope the book is successful in convincing more people to adopt fasting as a regular practice. Our fractured world needs it.
Andrew LaVallee is a cheerleader for fasting and its integration into the Catholic life. When You Fast makes the case for its value, spiritually as well as physically, using LaVallee's personal conversion and adherence to regular bread and water fasts as examples.
Some points are repeated, and there is frequent reference to the alleged Marian apparitions at Medjugorje throughout. Even if you are skeptical of the apparitions, you won't find anything here contrary to the consistent messages of the Gospel, the Church, and the saints in promoting fasting.
LaVallee's insights helped me to think about fasting in new ways, and as he says, the most important part of fasting is to start. That being the case, this book is a good primer and motivator. I hope the book is successful in convincing more people to adopt fasting as a regular practice. Our fractured world needs it.
March 4, 2022
The foreword by Rev. Francisco J. Anzoategui Peiro is excellent, and there are certainly some illuminating passages concerning the purpose of fasting. However, as I read the introduction and the beginning of the first chapter, I realized that this book is very badly written and prosaic. The author would have needed a team of editors to help re-write and organize many passages. The style is too simplistic and the conversational tone is quite distracting. It would be impossible for me to finish this book. I am sure that there are other Catholic works on this subject which are more insightful, and I look forward to reading those.
July 23, 2024
Solid little book on fasting. As a protestant I don't agree with some things, but find his clear and well articulated thesis to be that Fasting and Prayer are tools largely ignored but the problems we face today are often of a kind where they are the best tools to see lasting change.
Raises an excellent point that all spiritual disciple is not done through our strength but is instead a Grace from the Lord. Christ must be our focus in everything.
My one critique is I was expecting a bit more of a discussion of the practical aspects of fasting. But it's good in pointing you to further resources so that is good.
Raises an excellent point that all spiritual disciple is not done through our strength but is instead a Grace from the Lord. Christ must be our focus in everything.
My one critique is I was expecting a bit more of a discussion of the practical aspects of fasting. But it's good in pointing you to further resources so that is good.
February 20, 2018
I do not recall how this book got on my wishlist. I must have had a reason, perhaps it was endorsed in an article I've read. It is not a bad book on the spiritual discipline of fasting if one has never read one before. I found it a bit too chatty and autobiographical. The Marian apparitions of Mejugorjie also play a dominant role, and these have not been approved by the Vatican to the best of my knowledge.
Having said this, there is good information on how to fast and its many spiritual and health benefits. Plus many useful resources are given.
Having said this, there is good information on how to fast and its many spiritual and health benefits. Plus many useful resources are given.
April 15, 2021
Fasting and Prayer
This book provides an excellent introduction to spiritual fasting and prayer. I have tried Intermittent Fasting for weight control and it works. But fasting for the Lord is another level entirely. I’m looking forward to putting spiritual fasting and prayer to work in my own life and the lives of those I love.
This book provides an excellent introduction to spiritual fasting and prayer. I have tried Intermittent Fasting for weight control and it works. But fasting for the Lord is another level entirely. I’m looking forward to putting spiritual fasting and prayer to work in my own life and the lives of those I love.
February 24, 2018
Good Basic book about Fasting.
Jesus did say. “When you fast”. The author gave a thorough explanation of the many aspects of Fasting. The benefits spiritually and physically, the how tos. I liked his conversion story also.
Jesus did say. “When you fast”. The author gave a thorough explanation of the many aspects of Fasting. The benefits spiritually and physically, the how tos. I liked his conversion story also.
August 20, 2021
Clarity and Guidance.
I appreciate and I am grateful for this book. I shared my experience and I encouraged friends to fast and pray as well. I like how this book explains the why in a simple and detailed way, it feels like a close dear friend is telling and giving you the message. I needed this so much in my life. Fasting with intention and purpose. Praying with guidance and direction. It has been very significant and very important. It is humble and powerful. Fasting in combination with prayers just like Jesus and the Saints did, it is a blessing and a special gift.
My personal experience in the first week of prayer and fasting: after almost five years of not communicating with my biological mother, we exchanged messages peacefully and respectfully. Her last message was her blessings.
My first week was not perfect but I started and I had the intention. I was reading this book and I was half way only.
I appreciate and I am grateful for this book. I shared my experience and I encouraged friends to fast and pray as well. I like how this book explains the why in a simple and detailed way, it feels like a close dear friend is telling and giving you the message. I needed this so much in my life. Fasting with intention and purpose. Praying with guidance and direction. It has been very significant and very important. It is humble and powerful. Fasting in combination with prayers just like Jesus and the Saints did, it is a blessing and a special gift.
My personal experience in the first week of prayer and fasting: after almost five years of not communicating with my biological mother, we exchanged messages peacefully and respectfully. Her last message was her blessings.
My first week was not perfect but I started and I had the intention. I was reading this book and I was half way only.
October 20, 2023
A Timely Call for Today's Christian
Like many aspects of our modern lives our relationship with food is disordered. We ate from the tree of knowledge, and our eyes were opened to see... not an apple, but a perplexing matrix of carbs, fats, proteins and micro nutrients. Wandering in our exile, we created a hierarchial food pyramid. 40 years in that desert and more Americans were clinically obese than ever before - so we flipped the pyramid upside down with the keto diet. LaValle reminds us that no hierarchy, pyramid, or system of man that works without God at the top. "When You Fast" offers a solution so simple and so presupposed by Jesus and our Christian ancestors, that we've forgotten it alltogether. He invites us to drop the wonky fad diets, pick up our crosses, and gives us a powerful ancient weapon for the spiritual battles of life.
Like many aspects of our modern lives our relationship with food is disordered. We ate from the tree of knowledge, and our eyes were opened to see... not an apple, but a perplexing matrix of carbs, fats, proteins and micro nutrients. Wandering in our exile, we created a hierarchial food pyramid. 40 years in that desert and more Americans were clinically obese than ever before - so we flipped the pyramid upside down with the keto diet. LaValle reminds us that no hierarchy, pyramid, or system of man that works without God at the top. "When You Fast" offers a solution so simple and so presupposed by Jesus and our Christian ancestors, that we've forgotten it alltogether. He invites us to drop the wonky fad diets, pick up our crosses, and gives us a powerful ancient weapon for the spiritual battles of life.
October 14, 2020
There was something off putting about this book. I fast regularly so I didn't need encouragement, but I find I disagreed a lot more than I thought I would. The idea that fasting gets prayers answered faster is a bit lost on me all things considered. Fasting isn't even recommended by the church for everyone. Do those people get less prayers answered because they are sick, too young, too old, pregnant, nursing? The concept itself is nice but views the author preaches are lost on me. It reads more like a personal testimonial over anything truly helpful on a wider level.
February 27, 2023
Wonderful book on Fasting!
If you are looking for a book that tells you all the wonderful graces you can get from fasting. This is your book. The author himself having a life changing experience as well as others. I couldn’t put the book down. Beautifully written and just full of knowledge. I received it in time for Lent and I’m going to put it into practice. Thank you so much to the Blessed Mother for leading our Author Andrew LaVallee to his best life yet.
If you are looking for a book that tells you all the wonderful graces you can get from fasting. This is your book. The author himself having a life changing experience as well as others. I couldn’t put the book down. Beautifully written and just full of knowledge. I received it in time for Lent and I’m going to put it into practice. Thank you so much to the Blessed Mother for leading our Author Andrew LaVallee to his best life yet.
April 4, 2025
I was a bit disappointed because I was hoping to get information on how to fast but this book was more about why you fast. Having said that, it was well written and gave compelling reasons about the benefits of fasting. It does briefly touch on how to fast but I do not feel I was ready to move forward to fast after reading this book. I will need to read some additional materials recommended in this book before I am ready to move forward.
February 15, 2020
Don’t read this book.
Because if its connection to a the false apparitions at Medjugorge, I recommend that faithful Catholics do not read this book. There is a much better book on fasting out now called “Eat, Fast, Feast.” In addition, the author’s bread baking business no longer exists.
Because if its connection to a the false apparitions at Medjugorge, I recommend that faithful Catholics do not read this book. There is a much better book on fasting out now called “Eat, Fast, Feast.” In addition, the author’s bread baking business no longer exists.
September 11, 2020
A life changer!
In my own spiritual journey, this book came literally of nowhere and changed me and my life in ways, I can not even put into words.
One of my favorite quotes in life is: Jesus said, When you seek me with all of your heart, you will find me! This came to me at the lowest point in my life. What a spiritual blessing!
In my own spiritual journey, this book came literally of nowhere and changed me and my life in ways, I can not even put into words.
One of my favorite quotes in life is: Jesus said, When you seek me with all of your heart, you will find me! This came to me at the lowest point in my life. What a spiritual blessing!
February 12, 2021
What a gift this little book!
Such a blessing, during this time of the pandemic it has helped me to find hope...prayer and fasting has become integral part of my journey. And I read this book after I started some fasting practices. I am so so thankful for the confirmation of this way of prayer and fasting....
Such a blessing, during this time of the pandemic it has helped me to find hope...prayer and fasting has become integral part of my journey. And I read this book after I started some fasting practices. I am so so thankful for the confirmation of this way of prayer and fasting....
October 6, 2021
Great resource for the practice of fasting
This is an excellent resource for the practice of fasting and for showing the need and efficacy of fasting. The prayers were extremely helpful as well. This book has provided a new enthusiasm in me to start this practice again in my own life.
This is an excellent resource for the practice of fasting and for showing the need and efficacy of fasting. The prayers were extremely helpful as well. This book has provided a new enthusiasm in me to start this practice again in my own life.
October 18, 2021
Less of an apologetics explanation of the spirituality of fasting, and more like this guy is trying to sell you his bread recipe. Also, there's a very odd prayer he claims to have been given from God, but it doesn't seem backed by the church at all. Like fasting, there isn't much here to leave you feeling full.
Pass.
Pass.
March 3, 2022
wonderful companion for Lent
I found this book when trying to incorporate fasting into my Lenten devotions. This book is inspiring and gave me both encouragement and the tools to use fasting as a powerful blessing and connection to our Blessed Mother, Holy Spirit our Lord Jesus and Heavenly Father.
I found this book when trying to incorporate fasting into my Lenten devotions. This book is inspiring and gave me both encouragement and the tools to use fasting as a powerful blessing and connection to our Blessed Mother, Holy Spirit our Lord Jesus and Heavenly Father.
February 5, 2019
This book is not scholarly or even well-written, but it has an Everyman sort of tone that could be inspiring to some. Apparently, the author had a business that sold fasting bread kits, but that is closed now. I appreciated his conversion story, but it left me wishing for a fuller, deeper treatment of the issue.
March 1, 2021
Really good book! I enjoyed every section of it. All the lessons I learned. I was raised Catholic but my family never fasted and now I see the importance of fasting and prayer and I hope to encourage my family to fast with me and I’m going to recommend everyone to read this book !
June 2, 2019
Recommended
Good guide for fasting . Helped me sort out the need to add fasting to my prayer life. Good read.
Good guide for fasting . Helped me sort out the need to add fasting to my prayer life. Good read.
May 27, 2020
Eye(heart) opening
Nicely woven to help me, a novice, in beginning to fast. Baby steps and at my own pace towards God.
Nicely woven to help me, a novice, in beginning to fast. Baby steps and at my own pace towards God.
May 28, 2021
Excellent spiritual advice
The author convincingly presents the value of spiritually motivated fasting as a necessary accompaniment of effective prayer. I recommend this book
The author convincingly presents the value of spiritually motivated fasting as a necessary accompaniment of effective prayer. I recommend this book
May 12, 2023
Outstanding Guide to Fasting
This book has been so helpful as I work to make prayer AND fasting a regular part of my routine.
This book has been so helpful as I work to make prayer AND fasting a regular part of my routine.
April 3, 2024
This book is life-changing. I was so changed by this book that I ordered a copy for myself!
May 10, 2024
great book!
This was an inspiring book! I learned the proper way to fast ! What tour of bread and how! Prayer is much more powerful with fasting!
This was an inspiring book! I learned the proper way to fast ! What tour of bread and how! Prayer is much more powerful with fasting!
June 26, 2024
Very insightful. A good resource to reference before, during, and after fasting.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews