Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Admit it. Fasts are intimidating. We can talk ourselves out of them before we even start! We seem to focus too much on self and the discomfort of any self-denial, rather than the Person we are emptying ourselves out for. When we empty ourselves of the cluttered junk drawer of our souls, we clear out space for the Holy Spirit to enter in. When we make personal sacrifices and offer them up, we make atonement for our sins and please the Lord.
To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is atonement. Sirach 35:5
Fast by removing yourself from the temptation to sin. (A person or a thing.) Fast from pride. Is there someone you stubbornly refuse to apologize to? Seek reconciliation. Are you prone to anger and lose your temper with people? Abandon the furious! Fill the void with prayer.
Refrain from anger; abandon wrath; do not be provoked. Psalm 37:8
What’s that self-talk, “I don’t really sin”? Fast from that lie. Perhaps Lent is a good time to rediscover the definition of sin, as the culture has removed that word from all vocabulary. Find a good “Examination of Conscience” to reawaken your consciousness of sin, and strive to follow the Commandments.
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to the LORD’s command? Obedience is better than sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:22
Finally, if you struggle with your fast, direct your focus to the fruit it will bring: a deeper relationship with our Lord. With collective prayer, we all can persevere, blossom and bear fruit. We’ve got this!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Pray that our offering bear fruit! Pass it on!
