Fasting

a verse or two

"Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” Mark 2:18.

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Fasting.

Jesus did not condemn fasting. He himself fasted for forty days (Matthew 4:2). Fasting—going without food in order to spend time in prayer—is both worthwhile and difficult. It gives us time to pray that we would otherwise use to eat and talk with others. It teaches self-discipline and reminds us that we can do with a lot less food. Jesus wants us to discipline ourselves quietly and sincerely, not for show. Hunger reinforces our need for dependence on God, and some feel it clears the mind to seek God's will. Whether or not we choose to go with less food or no food for short periods of time, we all need to find ways to devote ourselves to prayer. [from LABC]

Something to do: Give Lent a try.

Lent is a form of fasting within the church tradition, a giving up of something in order to come closer to God. Ash Wednesday this year is the 9th March. It will mark the beginning of Lent – the forty days leading to Easter Sunday. Why not give up something you like for the 40 days of Lent? It does not have to be meat! It could be TV, or coffee, or Internet, or something else. It is not about trying to earn bonus points with God. It’s about reminding us of what Jesus Christ went through at the first Easter so that our lives could be full. Each time someone reaches for that coffee and remembers how they decided to give up coffee for Lent – they are reminded of God dying on the cross to give them the deepest peace. Each time we go without, we remember that Easter is coming. It reminds us of Jesus, what he did and the cost of what he did!

To Ponder and Pray: What shall I give up?

Dear Lord.........what shall I give up for Lent in 2011...
........and Lord.........who shall I share the good news...
of you with this year.........talk to me Lord.........