When You Fast

“If you’ve ever wondered about the whys and wherefores of fasting, this is the book for you. Harold Ristau thoroughly explores Luther’s well-founded objections to abuses of fasting in the medieval church. Yet he probes deeper, initiating contemporary readers into the evangelical/sacramental mysteries of fasting as practiced by the ancient church and taught by Jesus. In an age bloated with extravagance, Ristau invites Christians to discover firsthand that less is truly more: when we feast on Christ’s fasting we experience the blessings of those who hunger and thirst for his righteousness.”


—Harold L. Senkbeil, Executive Director, DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel





“Dr. Ristau’s book delves into the seldom-discussed practice of Christian fasting. This approachable work allows the reader to reflect on how this ancient practice might be incorporated into his or her devotional life.”


—Thomas Korcok, Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University Chicago, Director of the Center for Advancement of Classical Lutheran Liberal Arts





“In an age of abundance and amusement, Rev. Dr. Ristau’s insights on fasting inform Christians seeking to authentically live a countercultural and graceful life. This engaging book offers an overview of fasting in Scripture and in Christian history and thought, and focuses on fasting as a satisfying gift of God. When You Fast relevantly shows that fasting is Gospel living in, with, and under the fullness of God’s grace.”


—Joshua Hollmann, Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia College New York