FASTING3: Goodbook 07-03-15

I issued the invitation for people to join in a time of fasting and prayer for the racial wound in our country and for the people impacted by the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina.  I took time this week to fast from a meal and use that time in prayer.  It was a powerful experience.  I thought it would be meaningful to share some highlights from that experience and invite others to share about their experiences of fasting and prayer.

Highlights:

1) I fasted from a meal and used the time I would have spent eating to pray through a Service of Repentance and Mourning developed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

2) Here is a powerful prayer from the service:

"O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son. Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred that infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and, through our struggle and confusion, work to accomplish your purposes on earth; so that, in your good time, every people and nation may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne."

3) Here are some Scriptures that spoke to me:

"All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us," (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

"God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs," (Matthew 5:3-10).

"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don't know God, so they don't understand that we are his children." (1 John 3:1).

4) There was time in the service for music.  I did a YouTube search and found this classic hymn performed by a magnificent singer: Let There Be Peace On Earth.

5) During a time of silent reflection, God moved powerfully in my mind and heart:

-God brought to mind negative experiences that I have had with people of other races (all the way back to preschool) that have formed negative views and prejudices in my heart.  I needed to forgive these people, release these feelings to God, and ask for God's forgiveness and healing with the negative feelings I have harbored.

-God reaffirmed that the people who were killed are my brothers and sisters in faith.  I cannot forget.  I cannot be silent or passive.

-God inspired a hunger and thirst for justice and called me to be a peacemaker.  I have opportunities to build bridges with people of other races and churches.  I'd like to talk with others about what our church could do toward this effort. 

Share your comments and application ideas...