Tuesday night
Begin the fast after your final meal on Tuesday. Offer the fast for the intentions of the group and the people entrusted to your care.
A monthly fast for Christian men
Christian men were not called to comfort.
Once a month, men fast from after the final meal on Tuesday until Thursday morning, making Wednesday a full day of fasting and prayer.
The Thirty-Six is meant to be hard. We fast because sacrifice forms us, hunger can become prayer, and there is real power in denying ourselves before God.
For most men this will be around 36 hours, but the heart of the commitment is to make Wednesday a full day of fasting and prayer. Be prudent, modify when health or duties require it, and offer what you can faithfully.
The rhythm
A simple monthly pattern
The structure is intentionally simple so men can enter into it faithfully, whether they are fasting for the first time or returning to a deeper practice of prayer and self-denial.
Wednesday
Keep Wednesday as the heart of the fast, a full day of fasting and prayer. Spend one focused hour with the Lord in prayer, Scripture, silence, Mass, Adoration, or another faithful devotion.
Thursday morning
Break the fast Thursday morning with gratitude. Carry the intentions forward and encourage the other men who are walking the same rhythm with you.
Why we fast
Comfort is not the goal. Faithfulness is.
The fast is not about pride, performance, or spiritual comparison. It is about sacrifice, prayer, brotherhood, and faithfulness.
In a noisy world, The Thirty-Six gives men a concrete way to return to the Lord, deny themselves, and offer their hunger for the good of their families and the needs of the Church.
Not made for ease
The fast will not be comfortable. That is part of the point.
Hunger exposes how quickly we reach for comfort. A monthly fast gives men a shared way to practice self-denial, discipline the body, and turn desire into intercession. It is hard because it is meant to train us.
This should never be reckless or vain. But done with humility, prudence, and prayer, fasting is good for us because it reminds us that we do not live by bread alone.
We offer the fast for
Families, marriages, children, the Church, the world, and shared intentions.
Scripture and fasting
Fasting belongs to serious Christian prayer.
Scripture does not treat fasting as a spiritual stunt. It is a hidden offering, a weapon of prayer, and a way to seek God with the whole person.
Jesus fasted in the wilderness.
Before His public ministry, the Lord entered the desert in fasting, prayer, and temptation.
Prayer and fasting go together.
In the traditional wording, Jesus teaches that some battles are met through prayer and fasting.
The Church fasted before mission.
The early Church prayed and fasted before sending men out for the work of God.
Jesus expects His disciples to fast.
He says, “when you fast,” and teaches that fasting should be done humbly before the Father, not for attention, praise, or spiritual display.
Catholic devotion
Rooted in Christian fasting tradition.
The Thirty-Six is open to Christian men who desire to fast and pray together, while being especially shaped by Catholic devotion and sacramental life.
Attend Mass
When possible, offer the fast through the Eucharistic life of the Church.
Make a Holy Hour
Spend one focused hour with the Lord in Adoration, silence, or prayer.
Pray the Rosary
Ask Our Lady to intercede for the men, families, and intentions of the group.
Pray Divine Mercy
Offer mercy for the Church, the world, and all those entrusted to prayer.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fast for exactly 36 hours?
No. The common rhythm begins after the final meal on Tuesday and ends Thursday morning. For most men this will be around 36 hours, but the heart of the commitment is to make Wednesday a full day of fasting and prayer.
What kind of fast should I do?
Choose a real physical fast that is appropriate for your health, responsibilities, and state of life. Some men may do a stricter food fast. Others may need a modified fast. Be prudent, and seek medical or spiritual counsel when needed.
What happens on Wednesday?
Wednesday is the focused day of prayer. Every man is encouraged to spend one intentional hour with the Lord. Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass, make a Holy Hour, pray the Rosary, and pray Divine Mercy.
Is this only for Catholics?
The Thirty-Six is shaped by Catholic devotion, but Christian men who desire to fast and pray in this spirit are welcome.
How do I join?
Commit to the next fast through the form, then join the WhatsApp brotherhood. Introduce yourself, watch for the monthly fast announcement, and share intentions with the men.
Begin with us
Commit to the next monthly fast.
Enter the rhythm, share your intentions, and stand with other men in prayer and sacrifice.
Commit to the Fast