“When Jesus came home, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” And he told them, this kind cannot come out by anything but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:28-29
“Fasting and prayer are the greatest barriers to keep out all temptations of intemperance and sin from the minds of men.”
Alfred Barry (1826-1910) Anglican Bishop in Day’s Collacon, comp. and arr. by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 277.
This Lent I am learning that pausing to pray frequently keeps my mind focused on the Lord, and fasting reminds me that I can live without things but not without Jesus.
Both are connected to generosity because without these two barriers in place I will live for myself and not for others. Are you also finding this to be true?
Today Jenni and I get to have breakfast with Randy and Lori Kipp. Randy is a mobile monk that drives for work and prays while he drives. I am thankful he prays daily for me and many others.
In life after Lent, what part will fasting and prayer play in your life? I suggest with Bishop Barry and (Brother Randy) that they are the greatest barriers to keeping out temptations so we can live like Jesus for others!