Today, on World Vegan Day, I’m making a commitment. On the second day of every month, I will fast for the animals. I may start with a liquid fast, but I’m committing to it, and I invite you to join me.
What Animals First on the Second is
Animals First on the Second, or AFOTS, was founded by Izzy Jacobus. On the 2nd of every month, people around the world fast for 24 hours. The fast stands with animals who are left without food on their way to the slaughterhouse. Those fasting wear a mark on their hand, so people ask what it means, and that opens the door to share why.
You can learn more at fastagainstslaughter.org, on Instagram at @fastagainstslaughter, or in their Facebook group, “Animals First on the Second.”
Why fasting matters
Fasting turns caring into something we can feel in our own bodies. When my stomach is empty, I remember the animals who have no choice. A fast also makes room: the time I would spend preparing and eating food becomes time for prayer, and for speaking up.
A day of prayer for Christians
Fasting has always gone hand in hand with prayer. Through the prophet Joel, God calls His people to turn to Him with all their heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12). Isaiah describes the fast God chooses: to loose the bands of wickedness and let the oppressed go free (Isaiah 58:6). And when Nineveh repented, even the animals fasted, and God spared the city, caring for “much cattle” too (Jonah 3:7-8, 4:11).
So I’m making the second of each month a day to cry out to God for the animals, to grieve for them, and to ask Him how I can help. You can pray alone, or gather with others in person or by phone.
Ways to fast, whatever your situation
- A full 24-hour fast with water only.
- A liquid fast with juice, smoothies or vegetable broth.
- A daylight fast from sunrise to sunset.
- Skip one or two meals and spend that time in prayer.
- A Daniel fast of simple vegetables and water (Daniel 1:12).
- Fast from something else, like screens, sweets or shopping, if you can’t fast from food, and give that time to the animals.
Whatever you choose, pray at the times you would normally eat, wear the mark on your hand, and be ready to share why.
Preparing for the fast
- Eat simple, wholesome food the day before.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Plan your prayer times and what you’ll read.
- Tell a friend so you can encourage each other.
- Draw the mark on your hand the morning of the 2nd.
Join me
The next fast is November 2. Let me know if you’re joining, and I’ll keep a reminder in our newsletter every month.
A note on health: Fasting isn’t right for everyone. If you’re pregnant, nursing, diabetic, taking medication or have a health condition, talk with your doctor first, or choose a gentler way to take part.
Written together with Claude. The idea to join and share Animals First on the Second, the commitment, and the vision of making it a day of prayer came from Patricia. Claude helped write the article and expand the research.
