A Suggested Vegan Lenten Plan. By Dr Chapman Chen
- Chapman Chen
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 19
Today (Feb 18) marks the beginning of Lent, the forty-day season of repentance and preparation for Easter. As Jesus fasted in the wilderness before beginning his ministry, so believers are invited to humble themselves, seek purification of heart, and return to God with renewed commitment to compassion and righteousness. The following is a suggested vegan Lenten plan.
1. Guiding Vision
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness… to let the oppressed go free?” — Isaiah 58:6
Lent is not merely abstaining from pleasure but removing whatever separates us from the compassionate will of God. If animals are among “the least of these,” then ceasing participation in their suffering becomes a profound act of repentance.
2) Abstinence from All Animal Exploitation
If not already vegan, adopt a fully plant-based life for Lent.
No animal flesh (including even sea animals), dairy, eggs, honey.
Avoid animal skins, like leather, fur, wool, silk, where practicable.
Choose cruelty-free products.
Refuse entertainment built on animal suffering.
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” — Proverbs 12:10
For those already vegan, deepen the practice by adopting simpler foods, less processed products, mindful consumption, gratitude for creation, and a 16:8 eating schedule.
2.1. Why 16:8 Is an Excellent Lenten Fast
Lent commemorates Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness.
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” — Matthew 4:2
Jesus also taught fasting should be sincere, not performative:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…” — Matthew 6:16–18
Importantly, the Bible repeatedly links fasting with justice and compassion:
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness… to let the oppressed go free?” — Isaiah 58:6 (This verse strongly supports a Lenten practice focused on ending harm to the vulnerable — including animals.)
However, a 40-day fast is suitable for spiritual masters only. Ordinary people who want to fast more than 3 days had better seek professional advice. Contrariwise, a 16-hour fast / 8-hour eating window is:
✅ Safe for most healthy adults✅ Sustainable for 40 days✅ Non-extreme (avoids self-harm)✅ Compatible with daily work✅ Supports mental clarity for prayer✅ Historically similar to monastic practices (many early monks effectively ate once or twice daily
3) Daily Prayer for All Creation
Set aside time morning and evening.
Suggested prayer themes:
Repentance for human violence against animals
Healing of the earth
Liberation of factory-farmed creatures
Compassion for all beings
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10
You may wish to include the powerful Ho‘oponopono-style prayer:
I am sorry. Please forgive me. I thank you. I love you.
4) Scriptural Meditation on Mercy
Read passages emphasising compassion, non-violence, and restoration:
Suggested texts:
Genesis 1:29 (plant-based provision)
Isaiah 11 (peaceable kingdom)
Psalm 104 (God’s care for creatures)
Hosea 2:18 (covenant with animals)
Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount)
Mark 11:15-18 (Jesus’ liberation of sacrificial animals from the Temple)
Reflect not only intellectually but devotionally.
5) Fasting from Violence in Thought and Speech
Your theology emphasises consciousness shaping reality — this fits beautifully with Lent.
Practice:
No harsh speech
No hatred or contempt
Forgiveness toward enemies
Inner purification
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Matthew 12:34
6) Simple Living
Reduce unnecessary consumption
Avoid luxury purchases
Donate savings to compassionate causes
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21
7) Active Compassion
Turn abstinence into positive love.
Examples:
Support animal sanctuaries
Feed hungry people (vegan food)
Educate others gently
Volunteer where possible
Create or share compassionate content
“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:26
8) Reconciliation with God, Humanity, and Creation
Lent is a time to heal broken relationships:
Seek forgiveness where needed
Forgive those who hurt you
Pray for those who oppose compassion
Restore harmony with nature
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” — Matthew 5:9
9) Preparation for Resurrection Hope
Remember that Lent leads to Easter — the triumph of life over death.
Contemplate the restoration of all creation:
“Behold, I make all things new.” — Revelation 21:5
10) A Closing Covenant Prayer
O God of boundless compassion,cleanse our hearts of cruelty and indifference.
Teach us to live gently upon the earth,to protect the vulnerable,and to reflect Your mercy toward all creatures.
May this season of Lent remove every barrier between Your will and our lives, until Your kingdom of peace is revealed in us and through us.
Amen.
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