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When You Fast: The Why and How of Christian Self-Discipline
In this companion volume to the popular When You Pray, L. Joseph Letendre explores the underpinnings of the Church's practice of fasting and of ascetic discipline in general. Rather than being preoccupied with the details of food regulations, he helps the reader understand the purpose of fasting and how to enter into it more willingly and fully.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 7, 2025
Fantastic review of why Orthodox Christians fast with practical examples and tips.
March 13, 2021
L Joseph Letendre has blessed us with another great little book on spiritual discipline.
This book will be a resource that the reader will be drawn back to again and again. The short chapters are easily digested in a 15-minute sitting, but with profound take-aways. Fasting is explained in the context of the Church’s worship, and the spiritual goal of fasting is kept front and center throughout the book. He does not assume that the reader is fluent in Orthodox terminology but defines terms like “asceticism” or “hesychasm” for those new to the Orthodox faith. He cites Orthodox writers such as Fr. Alexander Schmemann and draws insight and illustrations from Holy Scripture to inspire the reader to take fasting seriously while confronting challenges specific to 21st century North America. And, as someone new to Orthodoxy, I found his summary of the fast days in the Church’s calendar helpful, as well as the emphasis on fasting as a discipline that strengthens the Church’s communion instead of a private discipline done at the whim of the individual.
This book does not focus on detailed instructions for meal planning during fast days, but on fasting as a part of spiritual warfare and fruitfulness. The author suggests that fasting begins with food but involves the taming of other addictions by the continual practice of self-denial. Some of these other areas requiring discipline include limiting screen-time, social media, making space for silence, and controlling our thoughts. Practical help is provided to avoid “toxic thoughts”, and the reader is cautioned against the extreme of “Pharisaism” and getting caught up in the minutiae of fasting rules. And, as always, the reader is encouraged to seek the guidance of a priest and others experienced in this discipline. Overall, this is a great book to pick up to understand the Church’s ancient practice of fasting and to begin a life of Christian self-discipline.
This book will be a resource that the reader will be drawn back to again and again. The short chapters are easily digested in a 15-minute sitting, but with profound take-aways. Fasting is explained in the context of the Church’s worship, and the spiritual goal of fasting is kept front and center throughout the book. He does not assume that the reader is fluent in Orthodox terminology but defines terms like “asceticism” or “hesychasm” for those new to the Orthodox faith. He cites Orthodox writers such as Fr. Alexander Schmemann and draws insight and illustrations from Holy Scripture to inspire the reader to take fasting seriously while confronting challenges specific to 21st century North America. And, as someone new to Orthodoxy, I found his summary of the fast days in the Church’s calendar helpful, as well as the emphasis on fasting as a discipline that strengthens the Church’s communion instead of a private discipline done at the whim of the individual.
This book does not focus on detailed instructions for meal planning during fast days, but on fasting as a part of spiritual warfare and fruitfulness. The author suggests that fasting begins with food but involves the taming of other addictions by the continual practice of self-denial. Some of these other areas requiring discipline include limiting screen-time, social media, making space for silence, and controlling our thoughts. Practical help is provided to avoid “toxic thoughts”, and the reader is cautioned against the extreme of “Pharisaism” and getting caught up in the minutiae of fasting rules. And, as always, the reader is encouraged to seek the guidance of a priest and others experienced in this discipline. Overall, this is a great book to pick up to understand the Church’s ancient practice of fasting and to begin a life of Christian self-discipline.
March 24, 2021
"When You Fast" by L Joseph Letendre is such a gift to anyone who is seeking to learn not only "why" fasting is a classic discipline for Orthodox Christians, but also looking for some practical advice on "how" to fast. I was not familiar with the author's previous literary work, but before I was half way through this small volume I had already ordered his earlier book "When You Pray." The author's style is easy to read, filled with inspiring quotations and Scriptural references, and immensely practical for those who want to practice these disciplines in their daily walk with the Lord. "When You Fast" points us all to the ascetic call of Christianity, of denying oneself and taking up ones cross in order to follow Jesus.
As a priest I often encounter questions from parishioners, as well as seekers and curious visitors, about Orthodox fasting customs and the reasons behind them. I am so pleased to have this book available to offer as a resource for all who want to learn more about fasting and how to more deeply experience the appointed times of fasting in the Orthodox calendar. "When You Fast" is now a part of our recommended reading for catechumens as well.
As a priest I often encounter questions from parishioners, as well as seekers and curious visitors, about Orthodox fasting customs and the reasons behind them. I am so pleased to have this book available to offer as a resource for all who want to learn more about fasting and how to more deeply experience the appointed times of fasting in the Orthodox calendar. "When You Fast" is now a part of our recommended reading for catechumens as well.
June 3, 2021
“When You Fast” is the perfect complimentary follow-up to the short and concise "When You Pray" by the same author.
Letendre explains the definition of fasting, what it means to fast, how to fast as the Church, in what way the heart approaches fasting, and the history of fasting in the Judeo-Christian Tradition of coming before God.
I would say that this little book is a good one for anyone new to the idea of fasting - in or outside of the Orthodox Faith. He refers to several non-Orthodox individuals to whom a greater multitude can relate. This will be good for the Protestant or Catholic who wants to exercise the discipline of fasting, one of the pillars of the Orthodox Faith; and it will be good for Orthodox faithful who wish to relate to non-Orthodox easily in such an important pillar of our asceticism.
With only just over an hour of listening time, and maybe not much more than that to read in print, I definitely think this concise, little book is a helpful resource for anyone wanting to deepen their pursuit of the fast.
Letendre explains the definition of fasting, what it means to fast, how to fast as the Church, in what way the heart approaches fasting, and the history of fasting in the Judeo-Christian Tradition of coming before God.
I would say that this little book is a good one for anyone new to the idea of fasting - in or outside of the Orthodox Faith. He refers to several non-Orthodox individuals to whom a greater multitude can relate. This will be good for the Protestant or Catholic who wants to exercise the discipline of fasting, one of the pillars of the Orthodox Faith; and it will be good for Orthodox faithful who wish to relate to non-Orthodox easily in such an important pillar of our asceticism.
With only just over an hour of listening time, and maybe not much more than that to read in print, I definitely think this concise, little book is a helpful resource for anyone wanting to deepen their pursuit of the fast.
March 1, 2021
When You Fast is a concise and excellent introduction to fasting. Fasting, and its related life of asceticism, is often foreign to catechumen and new converts to the Orthodox faith. The author, L. Joseph Letendre, provides an excellent background and overview of fasting that is informational, in keeping with the Orthodox phronema, and a perfect length for those new to this subject! The footnotes and references are a delightful element for readers who would like to deepen their knowledge and practice.
February 21, 2022
I picked this book up to help me prepare my mindset for Lent. What a breath of fresh air after searching through book after book that claimed to be about fasting for religious reasons but were really just thinly veiled diet regimens. Letendre gives a concise yet meaningful overview of the why and how behind spiritual fasting. Several of his chapters sparked an interest in topics that I want to research further. It's written from an Orthodox perspective, but I was still able to get a lot out of it as a Roman Catholic.
April 18, 2023
Finished this around Pascha (after Lent) and found it very enlightening. Basically explains the "Why" and "How" of fasting in the Orthodox Church.
Fasting is a weapon used in spiritual warfare just like prayer is. It is a way to transcend our desires or passions. I like how it spoke of not just fasting of food, but also in other facets of life like talking less and sitting in silence more. I enjoyed the last extra chapter of toxic thoughts as well.
Fasting is a weapon used in spiritual warfare just like prayer is. It is a way to transcend our desires or passions. I like how it spoke of not just fasting of food, but also in other facets of life like talking less and sitting in silence more. I enjoyed the last extra chapter of toxic thoughts as well.
September 21, 2023
A short primer on the how and why of the christian discipline of fasting. Includes historical references by church fathers on the reasons for fasting, which is something I really appreciate. Its simple format is also very easy to read. This book deepened my understanding of the discipline of fasting in a way that wasn't overwhelming.
March 27, 2023
A concise guide to the spirit and the practices of Orthodox Christian fasting. I've been an Orthodox Christian for 22 years and I found the book, despite it's modest size, to be informative. Of course, a lot of it was by way of reminder.
April 22, 2024
Brief, but really good little book. Prayer is directed toward God, almsgiving is directed toward others, and fasting is directed toward self, respectively. I look forward to reading his other two in this series.
April 17, 2021
Great little book; the challenge is presented succinctly and clearly. It can enable us to lay down and forsake all the justifications that our appetites push forward, if we are willing.
January 26, 2022
Written from an Orthodox viewpoint, this short book is straightforward and Biblically based.
March 8, 2022
Insightful
I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author writes a book on almsgiving. He wrote a book on prayer and that was terrific as well.
I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author writes a book on almsgiving. He wrote a book on prayer and that was terrific as well.
April 6, 2022
This book really convicted me on why fasting is so important and the seriousness of spiritually managing our thoughts and desires. We must take them captive not the other way around!
April 8, 2022
Short easy read on a deep topic
A very simple read on quite a deep topic. I loved the comparisons of historical references with the practical wisdom from modern writers.
A very simple read on quite a deep topic. I loved the comparisons of historical references with the practical wisdom from modern writers.
January 25, 2023
clear concise understanding of fasting in the Church
June 30, 2023
It’s a short book but such good wisdom on fasting.
September 17, 2024
It's a wonderful little book on fasting. Letendre is engaging, encouraging, and concise. It is an easy go-to when you need reminders in this area of the faith.
April 7, 2022
Wonderful short resource, very accessible, written with both wisdom and love, for the whole body of Christ.
December 28, 2023
Incredibly helpful introduction to fasting in the life of the Orthodox church.
Left one star off as I have one disappointment: There is no explicit instruction on exactly what to and not to eat and when. I suppose with so many calendar at work in American Orthodoxy (Old Calendar, New Calendar, and Western Rite), this particular book was written so as to speak to everyone and allow an individual's priest to prescribe the specifics.
Regardless, most helpful aspect for me was the wholistic approach to fasting, namely, that fasting begins with food but finds its end in a much broader swatch of spiritual diacipline wherein abstaining from food serves as the catalyst.
To be clear, the author speaks of fasting as abstaining from food (or certain types of foods) for a limited amount of time. This is not going to address "fasting" from social media, TV, etc., though that idea is not entirely out of scope.
Recommended for anyone wondering, "Am I doing it right?"
Left one star off as I have one disappointment: There is no explicit instruction on exactly what to and not to eat and when. I suppose with so many calendar at work in American Orthodoxy (Old Calendar, New Calendar, and Western Rite), this particular book was written so as to speak to everyone and allow an individual's priest to prescribe the specifics.
Regardless, most helpful aspect for me was the wholistic approach to fasting, namely, that fasting begins with food but finds its end in a much broader swatch of spiritual diacipline wherein abstaining from food serves as the catalyst.
To be clear, the author speaks of fasting as abstaining from food (or certain types of foods) for a limited amount of time. This is not going to address "fasting" from social media, TV, etc., though that idea is not entirely out of scope.
Recommended for anyone wondering, "Am I doing it right?"
January 26, 2024
A wonderful book that gives information not simply about fasting from food, which is what we usually think of, but also about denying ourselves in other areas like speech, social media, etc.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews