Monday November 9, 2020

Begin this new day by praying this prayer out loud. As you are able, consider kneeling as a physical expression of your commitment to Jesus as Lord of your life and the one you desire to lead you this day. Alternatively, you might consider placing a hand over your heart as you pray this prayer.

God of rescue and restoration, thank You for Your great and beautiful mission in the world. Here I am Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and send 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

Fasting is a soul training practice that increases our ability to be focused on God and become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s transforming work within us. Jesus points out that if we make our fasting obvious to others we are missing the point.

In generations past, fasting from food was the most effective way Christians could train themselves to deal with things that distracted them from time with God. Today, however, our options for distraction have multiplied so dramatically that fasting from food may not be the best place to start. We might first try a 24 hour fast from media to free our minds from the junk of false narratives and give space for the Holy Spirit to renew our thinking about who God is and who we are.

What distracts you from time with God?
What might your fast look like?

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Father, help me to live this day to the full,
being true to You in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost,
proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.