A Lenton Prayer:
Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; Feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; Feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; Feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; Feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragements; Feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; Feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; Feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; Feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow; Feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that strengthens.
William Arthur Ward (1921-1994), American author, teacher and pastor.
As we celebrate the Lenten season, let us focus our fasting less on material sacrifices (like candies or colas) and more on the inward sacrifices of the heart which will serve to mold us ever more into the image of the One whose desert experience we emulate.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18, ESV).
Illustration Exchange
Ever wondered how your practice of Christian devotion affect others? LiveScience Senior Writer, Stephanie Pappas reports that for some Ethiopian Christians, their practices of Lenten devotion don't just affect other humans. She writes:
Humans aren't the only ones who give up certain foods for Lent. In the 55 days before Easter in Ethiopia, hyenas are forced to turn from scavenging to hunting to make up for Christians' fasting traditions.
Members of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church give up meat and dairy during the Lent period in Ethiopia. Now, a new study of hyena droppings finds that local hyenas, deprived of butcher scraps during this time period, supplement their diets by hunting donkeys for food instead. ...
Ok, so most of us don't aspire to affect the eating practices of hyenas. But we can be sure that our acts of devotion don't just affect ourselves, but others around us. If we fast from anger, bitterness, malice, envy, greed, gossip, or any other sinful attitude or behavior, those with whom we have relationship also end up fasting from the negative effects of such attitudes and actions. We pass the fast on down the spiritual food chain. In the end, we are all the better for it!
"In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth" (Colossians 3:7-8, ESV).
Illustration Exchange
“Fasting is a matter of exchanging one form of hunger for another. By withholding physical food from our bodies, we elevate the likelihood of developing a spiritual appetite.”
He continues, “The meaning of all hunger—food or whatever—is to point us to God. We can use physical hunger to our advantage.”
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6).