A Wonderful Hymn on the Importance of Fasting During Lent

"The Fast, as Taught by Holy Lore"

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An unfortunate loss in the piety of American Lutheranism is the tradition of fasting during penitential seasons. The Church has historically considered Lent and Advent, both of which are penitential seasons, to be seasons of fasting. During these seasons, Christians may choose to abstain from food or drink; others may practice moderation in various pleasures.

The liturgy and hymns of the Church have largely moved away from this element of the Church’s penitential piety. One hymn, however, stands out as a doubtless witness to the blessings of fasting. The hymn below beautifully demonstrates that fasting is not observed for its own sake. Rather, the Church fasts as an act of self-discipline. Times of fasting serve as times of reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation for the Passion of Christ and the joyous celebration of Easter. Our bodily disciple encourages spiritual growth and increased devotion to God’s Word.

Fasting is not required—and it cannot be required. Nevertheless, it is commendable among Christians that fasting be observed in the Church. The practice of self-denial and self-restraint allows us to be fortified against the spiritual assaults of the devil. Abstinence and moderation lead us to remember and confess the power of Christ, our sure and immovable defense against evil.

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1 The fast, as taught by holy lore,
We keep in solemn course once more;
The fast to all men known, and bound
In forty days of yearly round.

2 The law and seers that were of old
In divers ways this Lent foretold
Which Christ, all seasons’ king and guide,
In after ages sanctified.

3 More sparing therefore let us make
The words we speak, the food we take,
Our sleep and mirth, and closer barred
Be every sense in holy guard.

4 In prayer together let us fall,
And cry for mercy, one and all,
And weep before the Judge’s feet,
And His avenging wrath entreat.

5 Thy grace have we offended sore,
By sins, O God, which we deplore;
But pour upon us from on high,
O pardoning One, Thy clemency.

6 Remember Thou, though frail we be,
That yet Thine handiwork are we;
Nor let the honor of Thy name
Be by another put to shame.

7 Forgive the sin that we have wrought;
Increase the good that we have sought;
That we at length, our wanderings o’er,
May please Thee here and evermore.

8 We pray Thee, holy Trinity,
One God, unchanging Unity,
That we from this our abstinence
May reap the fruits of penitence.

Text: Unknown, tr. John Mason Neale (1818-1866)
Tune (suggested): JESU CORONA, comp. unknown

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A collect for the Lord’s blessing on the Lenten fast:

Grant us, we implore Thee, O Lord, to enter our Christian warfare with holy fasts, that by the aids of abstinence we may be fortified to fight against spiritual evils; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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