Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and sacrifice. For those with loved ones who are incarcerated, this season can feel especially difficult, as you’re separated both physically and emotionally. But fasting together, even from a distance, can be a powerful way to stay connected and support one another during this meaningful journey.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to fast with your incarcerated loved one and how to support each other spiritually on Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, while acknowledging the unique challenges of being apart.
1. Understanding Fasting During Lent
Fasting is a significant part of the Christian tradition, especially during Lent. It’s a time to intentionally give up certain comforts or habits to grow closer to God. On Ash Wednesday, many people begin the Lenten season by fasting or making sacrifices, and this is a practice that can be done by both you and your incarcerated loved one—regardless of physical separation.
Fasting isn’t just about food; it can involve any habit or indulgence that may distract from spiritual growth. For someone in prison, fasting might look different from what it would for you, but it can still hold great meaning. It’s about intention and discipline, drawing closer to God, and making space for reflection and prayer.
2. How to Fast Together Despite the Distance
Even if you’re not physically together, you can fast in unity by setting a shared intention for the Lenten season. Here’s how you can do it:
Agree on What to Fast From: Communication is key. You might not be able to share the same meals, but you can decide on something you’ll both give up during Lent. This could be a habit, a particular indulgence, or even a negative mindset. For example, your loved one might fast from anger or frustration, while you give up social media or unnecessary distractions. The important part is agreeing on a shared goal.
Focus on Spiritual Practices: Fasting isn’t just about food—it’s about taking time to focus on your spiritual journey. Both of you can commit to spending more time in prayer. While your loved one may not have the freedom to engage in extensive religious practices in prison, they can still pray and reflect. Likewise, you can set aside time each day for prayer, asking God for strength, patience, and peace during your fast.
Create Shared Moments of Reflection: Even though you’re apart, you can still share reflections on your Lenten journey. You could agree to write letters or have regular phone calls to discuss how your fast is going, share scriptures, or talk about what you’re learning during this season. These shared moments help you feel more connected despite the physical separation.
3. Supporting Your Loved One Through Letters
For many incarcerated individuals, letters are one of the few ways to stay connected with the outside world. This can be a powerful way to support your loved one through the Lenten season. Here are some ideas on how to use letters to strengthen your bond and offer support during your fast:
Send Encouragement and Prayers: Use your letters to send words of encouragement. Let your loved one know that you’re thinking of them and that you are both on this journey together. Include prayers for strength, hope, and spiritual growth. Your encouragement will help them feel less isolated and more spiritually supported.
Share Reflections: Take time to share what you’re learning during your fast. How is it affecting your faith? What is God revealing to you? Encourage your loved one to share their thoughts as well. Even though you may be separated, you can still build each other up spiritually.
Include Scriptures: Scriptures about fasting, hope, and endurance can be comforting. Share Bible verses that you feel would uplift them during this time. Some powerful verses for fasting and Lent include Matthew 6:16-18 (on fasting), Isaiah 58:6-9 (on true fasting), and Philippians 4:13 (on strength through Christ).
4. Fasting Can Be Emotional—Be Compassionate
Fasting is challenging, and for someone incarcerated, it comes with its own set of difficulties. It’s important to be compassionate and understanding of the struggles your loved one might face. The environment of a prison can make fasting feel even more isolating, so offering your support emotionally is just as important as your spiritual connection.
Acknowledge Their Struggles: Recognize that fasting in prison may not look like fasting in the outside world. Limited access to food, the emotional toll of being away from family, and the often difficult circumstances of prison life can make fasting even harder. Be patient and understanding with your loved one, and remind them that their efforts are still meaningful to God.
Stay Flexible: Encourage your loved one to make adjustments to their fast if needed. For example, if fasting from food is too difficult due to limited options, they could focus on giving up something like negative thoughts or harmful behaviors. Remind them that fasting isn’t about perfection but about intentionality and sacrifice.
5. Prayer and Reflection as a Means of Connection
Although you might not be able to physically share rituals like lighting candles or attending church services together, prayer is something both of you can do. Prayer unites you spiritually, and you can find comfort in knowing that even though you’re apart, you’re still seeking God together.
Commit to Daily Prayer: You can both commit to praying at specific times each day, whether it’s in the morning, before meals, or before bed. Let your loved one know that you’ll be praying for them, and ask them to do the same for you.
Pray for Each Other’s Strength: The prison environment can be emotionally and mentally exhausting, so be sure to pray for your loved one’s peace, strength, and endurance. Also, pray for your own patience, clarity, and the ability to stay focused on your shared Lenten goals.
6. Look Ahead to Easter Together
One of the most encouraging aspects of fasting during Lent is the promise of Easter—when the fast ends and the resurrection is celebrated. Even though you’re apart, this is something you can both look forward to and celebrate together.
- Celebrate Spiritually: While you may not be able to physically be together on Easter, you can still celebrate spiritually. Plan to send a letter or make a phone call to reflect on how God has worked in your lives throughout the Lenten season. Celebrate the growth you’ve both experienced, knowing that you’ve supported each other through the ups and downs.
Conclusion
Fasting during Lent is a meaningful way to draw closer to God, and it can be an even more powerful journey when done together, even from a distance. For those with incarcerated loved ones, it’s an opportunity to stay connected spiritually, provide emotional support, and deepen your faith. By committing to a shared fast, supporting each other through prayer and letters, and staying compassionate through the difficulties, you can make this Lenten season a time of growth, hope, and love. Looking to learn more and take the next step in your journey? Become a leader and deepen your faith. Visit Tyro365.com for valuable resources and guidance.