A digital fast for Lent or Advent means giving up some or all of your social media, streaming or games for the season and replacing that time with prayer, Scripture and service. Decide clearly what you're fasting from, what you'll do instead, and what exceptions you'll allow, before the season begins.
Fasting has always been about more than food. It's choosing to go without something good so that you feel your need for God more clearly. "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting" (Joel 2:12, KJV). For many people today, the hardest thing to go without is the phone.
What should I fast from?
Pick something that actually costs you. Common choices:
- All social media for the season
- Social media and video apps until after morning prayer
- Streaming and games on weekdays
- News apps, apart from a set time
A partial fast you keep is better than a total fast you abandon in a week.
What will I do instead?
This matters more than what you give up. Decide in advance:
- Morning prayer before any app, every day
- A Bible reading plan, like one Gospel during Lent or the prophecies of Christ's coming in Advent
- Service: use the reclaimed time to call, visit or help someone
How do I handle exceptions?
Write down your exceptions before you start, like work messages, family group chats or maps. Many traditions treat Sundays during Lent as feast days. Decide whether you will, and stick to it.
Should I announce my fast?
Jesus warned against fasting to be seen: "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast" (Matthew 6:17–18, KJV). Tell one or two people who will encourage you, and skip the announcement post.
How can an app help with a digital fast?
Removing apps works for some people. Others need them for work or family. A prayer lock app like Prayer Latch keeps your chosen apps locked each morning until you pray, and you can add extra lock times during the day. It turns "I'll try not to scroll" into a default.
What happens at Easter or Christmas?
Ask what you want to keep. Many people find the morning habit, prayer before the phone, is the part worth carrying into the rest of the year.
Pray before you scroll
Prayer Latch locks your chosen apps each morning until you pray. Your first 7 days are free, no card needed.
Updated October 20, 2026 by the Prayer Latch team at Janus Works LLC.