Friday May 6, 2022

Today is Friday, May 6 and we are exploring what the bible says about the Means of Grace.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, in these first fifteen minutes of my day, I long to experience your presence. Come Holy Spirit, reveal what you want me to know about the power of sanctifying grace in my life. Enable me to hear the unique message you have for me in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

I trust in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God and seek him with the words of Psalm 96.

When I humbled my soul with fasting, they insulted me for doing so. When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them. But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. Psalm 69:10-11,13

Pause and Pray

According to the General Rules of the Methodist Societies there are six Means of Grace – the public worship of God, the ministry of the Word either read or expounded, the Lord’s Supper, family and private prayer, searching the scriptures, and fasting or abstinence. Today, let’s consider the practice of fasting or abstinence. John Wesley, the eighteenth century founder of Methodism, considered regular fasting an important part of a believer’s spiritual practice. Wesley fasted one or two days weekly (Wednesday and/or Friday) not eating food after the evening meal and resuming at tea time in England around four o-clock in the afternoon. Some people call this a Wesley fast. Jesus assumed his disciples would fast and gave them the following instruction in the Sermon on the Mount.

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses direct and forceful language. He says “when you pray,” “when you fast,” and “when you give to the poor”. It is as if he took for granted that these are things his followers would be actively engaged in so he explains how to do them. He emphasizes the practice of humility and the private nature of spiritual disciplines. Methodist Christians have always advocated fasting, although it is one of the most neglected spiritual disciplines of our century. Many have never tried a true spiritual fast. Fasting is not eating food for a prescribed period of time. Abstinence is eating less, going without certain food or drink, or eating a smaller quantity. Fasting is always combined with prayer – prayer and fasting go together.

Ask: What is my attitude toward fasting and abstinence? How have I experienced this as a means of grace in my life?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, help me understand what fasting or abstinence could mean in my life. Direct me as to whether this is a spiritual practice I should consider adding, resuming or continuing in my life. I listen for your direction and instruction and hope to grow in understanding and maturity. I read your words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

In his sermon When You Fast, John Wesley outlined seven essential reasons why and how Christians should fast. (1) When I am overwhelmed with sorrow for my sin and in humility want to express my remorse to God. (2) When I am deeply aware of how I have abused food or drink, demonstrating a lack of self control to the point of impairing my health. (3) When I want to draw closer to God or utilize fasting as an aid to prayer. (4) When I seek God’s power in my life, or when I particularly need God’s instruction, guidance, or peace. (5) When I want to reveal remnants of sin in me so the Holy Spirit can remove it for good. Fasting brings sins like pride, anger, fear, bitterness, jealousy, etc. to the surface and exposes them. (6) Fasting does not save us or earn us extra points with God. Those are not reasons to fast. (7) We should fast with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus with a humble spirit joined in fervent prayer. (John Wesley When You Fast)

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, teach me about the practices of fasting and abstinence in the Christian life. I want to grow as a follower and become a mature disciple. Inspire me to observe these Means of Grace and avail myself of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Move me onto perfection as I seek the holiness of heart and life only you can provide. Amen.

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Joel 2:12-13

I leave this time of prayer seeking to participate in all the means of grace, reaching out to love others in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen