Ash Wednesday

Day 1

Ash Wednesday

By Rev. Dr. Emmanuel E James

Theme: Fasting and Prayer

Read: Matt. 6:16-18:

In Hebrew the word for fast means to "cover" the mouth and in Greek it means to "abstain". Fasting as a religious duty is almost universal. Fasting indicates humbling of the soul before God in repentance and mortification on account of one's sin. It also indicates our confession to God and it is an act of humiliation before the Lord. Since the beginning of the Church, fasting and praying has been practiced.  The custom of fasting and praying during the Lent season differs in different countries. In the Catholic and Greek churches fasting is obligatory, but in most Protestant churches it is recommended.

The Church has promoted fasting and praying to help our minds that are usually filled with worldly matters and enable us to contemplate on divine things (Acts 13:3).

In the New Testament we read that our Lord fasted and prayed for forty days before He began His public ministry (Matt. 4:1-2). Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocritical practices in their fasts (Matt 6:16-18). Jesus teaches that we should not undertake fast by publicizing it because it becomes an external show with degenerated godliness. All forms of self-denial including fasting should be secret and in humility. Fasting is an expression of our dependence upon God and our submission to His will. Remember that we cannot manipulate God by our fasting and praying. Fasting is a spiritual discipline and helps us to focus intently upon God our Saviour and become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Jesus mentioned. Prayer and fasting in Mark 9:29 as means for strong faith and defeating the devil.

Fasting in Lent season has a special meaning. It recalls the time Christ suffered and died to redeem us and humanity. Fasting can be a way to cleanse our body, mind and spirit. It imposes self-discipline. It encourages meditation and reflection. It is beneficial to our spiritual development, to concentrate in prayer, heightens our spiritual awareness and intensifies our communion and fellowship with God. What is my understanding and attitude about fasting and prayer?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come before you humbly seeking your help and guidance during this day. Help me to understand the meaning and significance of fasting and prayer for my own spiritual growth and development. Cleanse my mind, thoughts, motives and attitudes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.