3So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land. (Daniel 9:3 – 6)
Today we continue our focus on the Discipline of Fasting. Please consider a food fast for at least a portion of the day if you have no health concerns. Alternatively, you might want to go on a non-food fast by giving up something that consumes a lot of your attention/energy (e.g., social media) for at least a portion of the day.
During your time of fasting, spend as much time as you can in prayer and in God’s word, and focus especially on God’s glory (declaring it, experiencing more of it and praying for others to experience it through Jesus). The passage above from Daniel should serve as inspiration.
Reflections:
Please post your comments at the end of your fast and share what you can about your experience.
March 22, 2019 at 7:29 pm
Yesterday leading up to today I found myself making excuses to delay my fast. This morning when I awoke I resolved to do it today. I am out in Colorado skiing and it isn’t hard to see God’s glory in creation and in those around me.
The heavens declare the majesty and glory of our God.
March 22, 2019 at 10:49 pm
“Taste and see that the Lord is good”. Focussing on God’s glory today was humbling. I was reminded of how much Jesus reflected His father’s glory and I was convicted of the many ways I fall short the example He set.
March 23, 2019 at 10:06 am
I am already fasting throughout the Lenten period food wise maybe my fast can be doing more by listening, so doing, rather than giving up. Listening for the better and inner feeling. Praying for others. This can be a part of everyday. God’s Glory is so great.
March 23, 2019 at 10:18 am
After having completed a long trip, I thought I was going to be tired yesterday. However, my fast and His glory, gave me energy to work through the day. Also, I felt more at peace with myself and the issues I encountered during the day.