137 – A Lenten Prayer – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

A few weeks ago I mentioned a couple of lenten devotionals that seemed to point toward finding balance in our lives.  Several years ago I came across a lenten prayer that addresses in its own way some aspects of our daily lives that might benefit from a little more attention to balance.

Take a few minutes to slowly read this prayer, then I want to ask  you question –

Fast from judging others;
feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences;
feast on the unity of all life.

Fast from apparent darkness;
feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute;
feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent;
feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger;
feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism;
feast on optimism.

Fast from worry;
feast on trust.

Fast from complaining;
feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives;
feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures;
feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility;
feast on nonviolence.

Fast from bitterness;
feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern;
feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety;
feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement;
feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress;
feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy;
feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion;
feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken;
feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip;
feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God,
during this season of fasting and feasting,
gift us with your presence
so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.
Amen.

(William Arthur Ward (1921-1994))

This next week why don’t you pray this prayer each day.  Each day reflect on what in the prayer stands out to you the most.  Pay attention that day to how the prayer “shows up” as you make your way through the day.  And sometime in the day, maybe near the end of the day, see where God has been praying this prayer with you.

So, my question is – Want to give it a try?

Let’s check back next week and see what happened.

 

 

 

 


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