When You Fast: The Why and How of Christian Self-Discipline

Item No. 9781944967970

by L. Joseph Letendre

In this companion volume to the popular When You Pray, L. Joseph Letendre explores the underpinnings of the Church's practice of fasting and of ascetic discipline in general. Rather than being preoccupied with the details of food regulations, he helps the reader understand the purpose of fasting and how to enter into it more willingly and fully.

About the Author: L. Joseph Letendre is the author of When You Pray from Ancient Faith Publishing as well as the popular guide, Preparing for Confession. His writing has also appeared in Touchstone, The Reformation and Revival Journal, and St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly. He recorded the audiobook of St. Nicholai Velimirovic’s Prayers by the Lake for AFP. He holds degrees in psychology, philosophy, and education, as well as an MDiv from St. Vladimir’s Seminary. He is a parishioner at All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago, IL.

Praise for When You Fast

"This excellent 'how-to' on how and why to fast is just what I need, and I've recommended it to family and friends (who need it less than I do). The book is a valuable distillation of the Orthodox mind about fasting, all of it prayerful and profound despite its brevity. No fat whatsoever! This should be on the reading table of every Orthodox Christian." -Deacon Nicholas Dujmovic, Orthodox Church in America, and professor at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

"When You Fast is a vibrant summons to follow one of the most basic teachings of the Gospels, as well as an encouraging and practical guide for doing so. Because almost everything we hear and see around us seems to promote the world, the flesh and the devil, Christian self-discipline is needed more than ever. Read this book and put it into practice. You and those around you will benefit." -James M. Kushiner, Executive Editor, Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity

"Joseph Letendre’s When You Fast is a guidebook for experienced Orthodox Christians, those new to the Faith, or those questioning why we Orthodox fast. A must read before each fast, it’s a perfect reminder that fasting is not only an obedience, but a grace-filled privilege." - Cynthia Damaskos, Holistic Christian Life/Filled With Less

Author: L. Joseph Letendre

Paperback: 104 pages

Dimensions: 4.5 x 7 inches

Publisher: Ancient Faith Publishing

When You Pray: A Practical Guide to an Orthodox Life of Prayer

Item No. 9781944967239

by L. Joseph Letendre

Anyone who prays, or has tried to pray and given up in discouragement, knows praying—really praying—is not easy. Praying consistently seems almost impossible. Too often and too easily, prayer becomes a burden: one more item on an already overcrowded to-do list. Failing to pray becomes a source of guilt and stress as we must once again admit our inconstancy and procrastination to our father confessor. Yet, our Lord said, "Come to me, all of you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. My burden is easy and my yoke is light" (Matt. 11:30). The purpose of this book, then, is not to add to the burden, but to ease it by distilling the advice and experience of those who pray.

About the Author: L. Joseph Letendre is the author of the popular guide Preparing for Confession. His writing has also appeared in Touchstone, The Reformation and Revival Journal, and St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly. He recorded the audiobook of St. Nicholai Velimirovic’s Prayers by the Lake for Ancient Faith Publishing. He holds degrees in psychology, philosophy, and education, as well as an MDiv from St. Vladimir’s Seminary. He is a parishioner at All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Author: L. Joseph Letendre

Paperback: 72 pages

Dimensions: 4.5 X 7 inches

Publisher: Ancient Faith Publishing

When You... 2-Book Set (When You Pray, When You Fast)

Item No. 009120

by L. Joseph Letendre

SAVE when you purchase the 2-Book Set (When You Pray and When You Fast)!

When You Pray

Anyone who prays, or has tried to pray and given up in discouragement, knows praying - really praying - is not easy. Praying consistently seems almost impossible. Too often and too easily, prayer becomes a burden: one more item on an already overcrowded to-do list. Failing to pray becomes a source of guilt and stress as we must once again admit our inconstancy and procrastination to our father confessor. Yet, our Lord said, "Come to me, all of you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. My burden is easy and my yoke is light" (Matt. 11:30). The purpose of this book, then, is not to add to the burden, but to ease it by distilling the advice and experience of those who pray.

When You Fast

In this companion volume to the popular When You Pray, L. Joseph Letendre explores the underpinnings of the Church's practice of fasting and of ascetic discipline in general. Rather than being preoccupied with the details of food regulations, he helps the reader understand the purpose of fasting and how to enter into it more willingly and fully.