an opportunity to be still
Well, I certainly can’t take credit for the plan to preach on fasting. But the non-violent action group asked for prayer before the election, the timing seemed right to dedicate a service to praying, and it is my turn to teach, so in the back-door way that the Spirit often leads- I agreed to do a mini-focus on fasting. Which meant that I had to seriously consider practicing what I was preparing. Asking the Lord,
“What would you like me to fast from during this week to make space to pray?”
Generally, I am not a fan of restricting food. I am not enticed by trends of intermittent fasting and body cleanses. I want everyone to keep their blood sugar steady and their fluids in balance (and hold on to the railings!) But I do believe that God establishes seasons and celebrations and honors special commitments to times of focused prayer, of which there are many examples in scripture. And so I reframed this week as a kind of mini-Lent.
“What daily habit might I pause that would remind me to pray for our country?”
One aspect of Lent that I love is the sense of opportunity. Each year is different. Some seasons I have added a practice: getting up early to translate a Psalm from Italian to English, yoga exercises to the rhythm of the Shema, having pastors over for dinner, or reading a book that I’d been procrastinating. Other years I have given up bread, chocolate, a particular resentment, or a time-consuming habit. Lent can be a time of discovery, adopting a different body practice that creates new pathways in our brains and opens our spirits to receive.
“What gift might be prepared for me at the table of fasting?”
As a youth group leader, I prompted the kids to consider what they might add or what they might subtract, opening themselves to possibility. NOT a religious disguise for self-improvement, dieting, or exercise, but an invitation to focus on Jesus. In Dr. Dana’s teaching, we were reminded that choosing to be still and listen is counted as the better part. Fasting from busyness, fasting from being worried about many things. Perhaps you will be prompted to take a break from social media, the news, TV, or another distraction.
This week, each of us is encouraged to choose the better part. Ask Jesus what you might give up doing in order to sit at his feet, rest from the many tasks that seem so urgent. Paul’s instructions on prayer to Timothy seem a good place to start.
First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people. Pray for kings and everyone who is in authority so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life in complete godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 1:1-2 (CEB)
May this coming week be a blessing, imparting an unexpected gift. May you experience stillness, that you might better hear the voice of Jesus. May our prayers be an acceptable offering, on behalf of all people, for lives of peace and dignity. –Renée