Casting for a Fasting

March 11, 2019

 Scripture

 "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6 ESV)

 Casting for a fasting

 Susan and I had our pancakes last Tuesday to mark the last day before Lent. Millions around the globe fast from something for the 40 days before Easter to connect with the heart of God. I hadn’t been able to connect with a practice for myself until I got a letter from our friend Stacey Campbell.

 She is the President of Prison Fellowship Canada and as a supporter I receive mailings about their work in 111 prisons across the country and an impressive array of programs to serve prisoners, their families and even their victims.

 Giving up a food item or other indulgences didn’t seem helpful for me but the verse for today was on her letter and I went “yes”. Now I’m not sure what that “yes” will look like but I’m going to say the verse out loud as I begin my daily prayer. It will remind me that I am part of the ongoing work of reconciliation coming from Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension.

 Let’s do what is helpful for us to use this season of increasing light to widen our apertures to the light of the healing presence of Jesus in the brokenness of our world.

 A Prayer for Today

Loving God, you know I struggle at times to widen my vision from my own preoccupations to the needs of so many who need care and compassion. Let this 40 days be a form of fasting which frees me to see needs, and serve them gladly and generously…. For Jesus’ sake.