40 Days Of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Moments: Fasting That Pleases God

Focusing Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9

“Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of injustice,

to undo the thongs of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free,

and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

and bring the homeless poor into your house;

when you see the naked, to cover them,

and not to hide yourself from your own kin? ”

Theme: Fasting that pleases God.

In the Scripture reading, Isaiah is clear that the Lord has little time for acts of worship that are empty. Why fast for a day if you’re only going to think about yourself? Why give alms if you’re going to abuse your workers? If our worship is real, we can’t help but be in the business of removing chains of oppression, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked.

Family Moment

How well do you worship the Lord?

Living the Message

Re-read Isaiah 58:6-7. Choose a way to do one of the things which Isaiah suggests.

Prayer Moment

Lord, teach us what it really means to worship you. Help my light shine like the dawning sun because of how I reach out to those in need. Amen.