Day 2

Today is day 2 of our Daniel Fast. For me, the food change hasn't been that big of a deal, since going from vegetarian to vegan is a short hop. A few nice leftovers from our kick-off potluck has made yesterday and today easier, as well!
Today, my thoughts and prayers have centered upon abundance, which at first glance may seem ironic given that fasting is about lack. But in denying myself and enforcing a lack of food, I have been powerfully reminded of how abundant my life really is. Kendra captured the sentiment last night in her e-mail reply to the group of fasters when she shared an anecdote about reminding herself not to lick her daughter's spilled yogurt off of her fingers. The simple fact that we have so much food that we can feed our children one thing while we eat another is overwhelming. Our cabinets are overflowing while some of our neighbors can't scrape together enough rice or beans or pasta for one meal.

So today, the prayer is for those who know only absence and not abundance, for whom thinking about food means sustanance not abunadance, for whom mealtime is about scarcity not abundance.

Abundant, life-giving God: you have enriched our lives so amazingly in this country, and in this community in particular. Our physical needs are more than cared for: your provision gives us warm and dry homes, plenty of food to enjoy, clothes in excess, and ways to communicate that are overwhelming. Our abundance has led to gluttony, which has brought us down the road of apathy. Forgive us, gracious God. As we begin this season of fasting from food, stir up our hearts so they may break with your love for those who do not have enough. Crack us open where our privilege has sealed our hearts closed to the pain others experience. Lead us into a new way of life, one that shares all we have so that everyone may have enough. Open our eyes in our own community, so we will see the hurting and hunger of others. Give us the strength to respond in ways small and large. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who knew the hunger of the world, Amen.