Prayer and Fasting, Day 1 of 7
I was praying last night and felt compelled to fast dinner. I have a staff meeting and breakfast every Monday, but when praying this morning to break my fast, I again felt as though I needed to draw close to God and pray while continuing my fast. So I got quiet, listened for God’s voice and presence. I feel I need to fast for 7 days. You might say “whoa, what are you thinking? You are imagining this, or making it up or something”. But I have gone with the “still small voice” more than once in my life without regret.
Seven days is a long time. I made it through the meeting this morning with water and a cup of decaf green tea (no sweetener) and I will continue for the next 7 days. It feels strange writing a blog about this as I usually keep my fast a secret. But perhaps someone has considered fasting and prayer and wants to read about it, or comment, or there are folks with a lot of experience with fasting a prayer and want to share their comments as well.
Fasting is not just about going without eating. It is not about starving. It is a sacrifice you make before God, and let him know you are willing to deny yourself to draw close to him and hear his voice. There have been several prayers on my heart this week. I find it interesting I have seven prayers and seven days of fasting.
WORK – Day 1
Today is about work. I am praying for my employer, co-workers, and our clients. I pray for businesses all over the world that employ people so we can live our lives, raise our kids, buy homes, keep quality food on the table. We are blessed, and I am grateful for all those in my work life. I want to be a blessing to my employer and co-workers and our clients.
I also want to ad a prayer for our troups. Speaking of work, they have the toughest job I can imaging. My friend Ann K. sent an email about the searing temperatures in the middle east right now and how our military are enduring it in full combat gear.
“Lord, please hold our troups in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.
God, comfort them, and bless them, and bring them home safely. Tend to their bodies, their intellect, and their spirits as well as their families.
I also pray for the company I work for, and for other businesses and companies that provide goods, services, jobs and meaningful work. Amen”
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