FISH or FAST?

On this First Friday of Lent, I ponder what fast I should undergo.

Jesus indicates fasting is an expected discipline in life. He said,

"When you fast (not IF you fast)
put on oil on your head and wash your face,
so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting,
but only to your Father, who is unseen,
and your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:17-18)

Now the oil on the head is a Middle Eastern custom, but there remains the fast. What do I abstain from this Lent?

Our church gave a handout about fasting. I learned five ways to fast:

1. Supernatural fast: no food or water. Moses did this on Mt. Sinai in God's presence. Jesus went into the wilderness forty days, only feeding on God's Word.

2. Daniel's fast: While in Babylonian exile, Daniel and friends fasted twenty-one days, restricting his diet to the traditions of his people. To do this fast, I could eat Bible foods, fresh fruits, fresh veggies, water or juice, cereals, flat breads, cheese, poultry, or fish. No pork or beef. Try to eat only two main meals per day.

3. Limited fast: I know a friend who gave up chocolate for Lent. That would be hard for me, so it's a possibility. It could be cans of pop for others. Or give up fast food. Since we are tight on our budget, we rarely go out to eat.

4. Drink Juice fast: This to me would be a challenge as I like to chew. But in this one you drink juices, water. I guess vegetable juices are in the mix as well.

5. Some folks do behavior fasts, which I guess is more spiritual that gastrointestinal. Some restrict pleasurable activities like movies, TV, or reading pleasure books.Others give more time for other spiritual activity. The church handout recommended a tithe of ten percent of each day, which is two hours, 24 minutes per diem. This could be ministry or Bible meditation, or family devotions, or prayer meetings.

So tell me, when you fast, how do you do it?