Fasting

From "The Shepherd of Hermas"

'This fasting,' he said, 'if the commandments of the Lord are kept, is very good. This, then, is the way that you shall keep the fast. First of all, keep yourself from every evil word and every evil device, and purify your heart from all the vanities of this world. If you keep these things, your fast shall be perfect for you. And thus shall you do. Having fulfilled what is written, on that day on which you fast, you shall taste nothing but bread and water; and from the meals which you would have eaten, you shall reckon up the amount of that day's expenditure, which you would have incurred, and shall give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to one in want, and so shall you humble your soul, that he that received from your humiliation may satisfy his own soul, and may pray for you to the Lord. If then you shall so accomplish this fast, as I have commanded you, your sacrifice shall be acceptable in the sight of God, and this fasting shall be recorded; and the service so performed is beautiful and joyous, and acceptable to the Lord.'