Lent is a time of fasting. Fasting is frequently referred to in the early Church; In Acts 13 we read:
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off” Acts 13: 2-3 [NIV]
The history of the Church is full of stories of fasting and its spiritual value.
But we have largely replaced true fasting with a tradition of giving up something like chocolate for Lent. While giving up things has its place, perhaps we could look to do something deeper and spiritually more substantial; while we are fasting, in whatever form that might take for you, take time to pray. Ask, is God inviting me to change this Lent? What patterns of behaviour need changing? What habits do I need to stop? What do I need more of in my life: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Self-control; A loving behaviour toward my spouse, neighbour or children? What can I put on - choose to celebrate life - to enjoy the beauty of creation, the love of family, friends and our God.
There seem to be so many obstacles preventing people from being where their hearts want to be, what God wants them to be. Give up something and take on Prayer and we might find that we will not become less, we will become so much more.
Guy Mowbray
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