Fasting: Desert Fathers: Fasting as Spiritual Combat

The Desert Fathers understood fasting primarily as a weapon in spiritual warfare. Abba Anthony taught: "Just as fish die if they remain on dry land, so monks who linger outside their cells or spend time with people of the world lose their determination to persevere in solitary prayer. A man who wants to catch fish must be willing to wait at the water's edge." Fasting was the discipline that sharpened the monk's spiritual senses and strengthened resolve against temptation.

Evagrius Ponticus (d. 399), in his "Praktikos," identified gluttony as the first of the eight logismoi (evil thoughts) that must be overcome. He taught that conquering the appetite for food was the gateway to conquering all other disordered desires. "The demon of gluttony is the vanguard of the whole army. If he is defeated, the rest are weakened."

Practical application: Practice a "Daniel fast" for one week, eating only simple foods -- vegetables, fruits, grains, and water. Notice how the reduction of rich foods affects your prayer life, sleep, and mental clarity. The Desert Fathers discovered that moderate fasting over time is more transformative than dramatic but unsustainable acts of self-denial.