40 Days of Lent Fasting Guide
WEEK 1 // FOOD
March 9 - 15
Fast From: A specific type of food (sweets, junk food, meat, bread, etc.) or consider intermittent fasting or a fasting window.
Key Scripture: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Encountering Jesus:
* Pause before every meal and thank God for being your true sustainer.
* When hunger strikes, let it prompt you to pray for deeper dependence on Jesus.
WEEK 2 // SOCIAL MEDIA
March 16 - 22
Fast From: Social media, aimless web browsing, and unnecessary online activity. Key Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Encountering Jesus:
* Replace online scrolling with Scripture reading.
* Take a daily walk with no phone—just you and God.
* Keep a journal of what God reveals in the quiet.
WEEK 3 // ENTERTAINMENT
March 23 - 29
Fast From: Watching TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos for entertainment.
Key Scripture: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Encountering Jesus:
* Read a book that deepens your faith.
* Spend the time you’d watch TV in prayer or worship.
* Reflect on what fills your mind and ask Jesus to realign your thoughts.
WEEK 4 // CAFFEINE
March 30 - April 5
Fast From: Coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks. Key Scripture: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Encountering Jesus:
* When you crave caffeine, take a moment to pray instead.
* Meditate on Scriptures about God’s sustaining power.
◦Reflect on areas where you need to rely on God more fully.
WEEK 5 // SHOPPING FOR NONESSENTIALS
April 6 - April 12
Fast From: Online shopping, impulse buying, and unnecessary spending.
Key Scripture: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
Encountering Jesus:
* Keep a gratitude journal—list 5 things daily that God has already provided.
* Donate money you would have spent to a ministry or someone in need.
* Ask God to reveal any areas where you seek satisfaction outside of Him.
WEEK 6 // MUSIC
April 13- 19
Fast From: Secular music, background noise, or any non-worship music.
Key Scripture: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Encountering Jesus:
* Spend 10 minutes a day in complete silence before God.
* Listen only to worship music and reflect on the lyrics.
* Ask Jesus to attune your heart to His voice.
March 9 - 15
Fast From: A specific type of food (sweets, junk food, meat, bread, etc.) or consider intermittent fasting or a fasting window.
Key Scripture: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Encountering Jesus:
* Pause before every meal and thank God for being your true sustainer.
* When hunger strikes, let it prompt you to pray for deeper dependence on Jesus.
WEEK 2 // SOCIAL MEDIA
March 16 - 22
Fast From: Social media, aimless web browsing, and unnecessary online activity. Key Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Encountering Jesus:
* Replace online scrolling with Scripture reading.
* Take a daily walk with no phone—just you and God.
* Keep a journal of what God reveals in the quiet.
WEEK 3 // ENTERTAINMENT
March 23 - 29
Fast From: Watching TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos for entertainment.
Key Scripture: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Encountering Jesus:
* Read a book that deepens your faith.
* Spend the time you’d watch TV in prayer or worship.
* Reflect on what fills your mind and ask Jesus to realign your thoughts.
WEEK 4 // CAFFEINE
March 30 - April 5
Fast From: Coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks. Key Scripture: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Encountering Jesus:
* When you crave caffeine, take a moment to pray instead.
* Meditate on Scriptures about God’s sustaining power.
◦Reflect on areas where you need to rely on God more fully.
WEEK 5 // SHOPPING FOR NONESSENTIALS
April 6 - April 12
Fast From: Online shopping, impulse buying, and unnecessary spending.
Key Scripture: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
Encountering Jesus:
* Keep a gratitude journal—list 5 things daily that God has already provided.
* Donate money you would have spent to a ministry or someone in need.
* Ask God to reveal any areas where you seek satisfaction outside of Him.
WEEK 6 // MUSIC
April 13- 19
Fast From: Secular music, background noise, or any non-worship music.
Key Scripture: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Encountering Jesus:
* Spend 10 minutes a day in complete silence before God.
* Listen only to worship music and reflect on the lyrics.
* Ask Jesus to attune your heart to His voice.
