Day 3

Today, I've gotten more comments of, "I could never do a fast like that!" or "I need my meat." or "I could never give up my caffeine!". I've welcomed these reactions because it's offered an opportunity to talk about the deeper experience and meaning of fasting. We get so caught up with the food part of fasting that we sometimes forget about the spiritual part of it.

I was with Kelly, one of the fasters, today when she responded to someone who said he couldn't make it through the temptation to eat favorite foods. She said that we don't have to have the strength because God will give us the strength to resist. I loved her response because it shows one of the fruits of fasting: a deeper reliance on God in the everyday. When we realize that we do not have the wisdom, the wherewithal, or the stamina to make it on our own, we become aware of the all-consuming power of God. For truly, it is God who creates us, who sustains us, who offers us forgiveness, love and grace - all things we cannot accomplish on our own. Fasting gives us the opportunity to rely on God a little more - and become a little closer to God's grace.

Gracious and loving Lord, all that we do, all we have, all we are is because of your amazing gift of life. We are vessels you mold, portraits you paint, notes you weave into a beautiful symphony. But sometimes we forget - we forget that you are almighty and we try to be mighty ourselves. We forget you are wise and we rely on human foolishness. We forget that you are all loving and we bear and hold grudges. Forgive us in your gracious mercy when our forgetfulness overwhelms us. Remind us through this period of fasting that you are all we need; you supply our strength; you give us breath; you give us purpose. As we empty our bodies, may our spirits be filled with your power and grace. Through Christ, who drew all strength from you and imparts it to us by his spirit, Amen.