A Lenten Prayer

As we move toward the beginning of Lent in two days, I want to share a couple of things with you this morning.

First – In August I began posting short reflections on the week’s lesson from the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL) also know as the Uniform Lessons. I usually post 3 times a week. Each post is an invitation to engage the Scripture passage and pay attention to what you notice. This week we begin considering passages from the Hebrew Prophets starting with Amos. You can find my posts at http://lectio.discipleswalk.org.

Second – I want to share once again a Lenten prayer I have posted many times since I first came across it. If you find a way to incorporate it in your Lenten practices, I trust it will bless you days.

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))

charles

{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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