Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 58:1-9
Psalm 51:3-6,18-19
Matthew 9:14-15
Fasting comes to mind as soon as I hear ‘Lent’. To fast means that you reduce your intake of food. Abstinence (which is a form of fasting) is to refrain from something good such as meat. We fast and abstain as forms of penance for our sins, to gain self-control, to assist the poor with our resources and to strengthen our prayer. May God give you the strength to deprive yourself of some pleasures so that your prayers may be heard and answered in Jesus’ name.
It is worthless to fast if you do not avoid sin as well. Saint Basil of Caesarea says, “True fast is to flee from evil, to control your tongue, abstinence from anger, separation from sinful desires, slander (‘amebo’), falsehood and perjury. The absence of these is true fasting.” May God give us insight into the sinful habits you need to quit and the courage to quit them, so that our prayerful fast may be pleasing to Him in Jesus’ name.
The Prophet Isaiah also says: “… The sort of fast that pleases me (is) to break unjust fetters, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke, to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, to clothe the man you see to be naked and not turn from your kin? Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over. Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you. Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say, ‘I am here.”
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord!
If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
May all who are struggling with one sin or the other receive deliverance from them this moment in Jesus’ name.
May God grant you the strength to pray your way out of your bad situation in Jesus’ name.
May God grant you mental and physical strength in your affliction in Jesus’ name.
May God restore peace and reconciliation to troubled marriages and relationships in Jesus’ name.
I pray for all those who are having challenges in their places of work and business; God is fighting for you at this moment and planting you firmly in victory in Jesus’ name.
For those facing persecution on account of their Christian convictions, you shall receive strength to overcome in Jesus’ name.
Through the merit of the death and resurrection of Christ, you are healed of every complaint and worry in Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.
Lord, look kindly on my prayers and fasting, guide the good that I have begun, forgive the evil I have done. Help me to persevere in love and sincerity through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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