Daily Practices – Week 4 – Day 2

THEME: Jesus longs to restore my soul.

GRACE: Lord, give me the courage to observe and surrender my inner life.

Settling in:

• In a journal, note the day, time, and place you’re sitting.
• Open with a few moments of silence. Rest, and breathe deeply.
• Complete the following sentence in your journal: Today, I feel ________________.
• Read these words slowly (aloud or silently):

When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint … God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well. (Matthew 6:17-18, MSG)

• Pause for a few moments of silence.hew

Practice:

• Choose one of the following practices.

Option 1: Fasting – Preparation [5-30 minutes]

It might seem counter-intuitive, but fasting is an important and helpful practice of health. Aside from its physical benefits, fasting from anything has a tendency of unearthing things within our inner life. Many times, food and other indulgences can mask or medicate-away our inner hurts or brokenness. Fasting can bring these things to the surface and allow us to submit them to God’s loving care.

Take a moment and read Matthew 6:16-18. Then open your journal and answer the following questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus places such an emphasis on fasting “in secret”?
2. How could noticing your inner life through fasting be a “reward?” How could God bless you through this practice?
3. What could you fast from today? Food, sugar, coffee, television, Facebook? It could also be for a limited time (one meal, a few hours, half a day). Make sure it is something you can fast from in secret, something that will not harm others around you, and something that will be a bit difficult to surrender.

Make a commitment to practice your fast today. Then pray this simple prayer to the Lord:

“God, I desire to give up ______ today. Please walk with me in this practice, and help me notice what thoughts or emotions surface from my inner life. Let my reward be a deeper sense of Your love and presence today.”

Option 2: Fasting – Preparation [30-60 minutes]

It might seem counter-intuitive, but fasting is an important and helpful practice of health. Aside from its physical benefits, fasting from anything has a tendency of unearthing things within our inner life. Many times, food and other indulgences can mask or medicate-away our inner hurts or brokenness. Fasting can bring these things to the surface and allow us to submit them to God’s loving care.

While we can fast from many things in our life, there is a specific emphasis in scripture on fasting from food. Many Christians around the world practice a fast from food each week. Look ahead to your day, and see if there is a meal that you could give up in fasting. While fasting from food is encouraged, be conscious of your physical health and responsibilities. If you need to, choose another item to fast from during your day instead.

Now, read Matthew 6:16-18 and notice Jesus’ emphasis on fasting in secret. When you are finished, take a moment in your journal and write a prayer, submitting this meal/item secretly to God in prayer.

Practice your fast today, and notice what “inner life” comes up in the process.

• Summary: Write a brief summary (five sentences or less) of what you experienced during your fasting preparation.
• Closing Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to observe and surrender my inner life.

Questions? Please email us at info@parishanglican.org