Fasting Day 7 of 40 | Second Wednesday of Lent
At the end of the forty days and forty nights, the Lord gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant. Deuteronomy 9:11
God produces good things in us through fasting. Moses got the stone tablets after 40 days. Notice the blessings others have received.
In his First Homily on Fasting, Basil of Caesarea writes, “It was fasting and prayer which gave Samuel to Hannah. Fasting brought forth Samson. Fasting begets prophets, strengthens strong men. Fasting makes lawgivers wise, is the soul’s safeguard, the body’s trusty comrade, the armor of the champion, the training of the athlete.”
Basil of Caesarea (330-379) in his “First Homily on Fasting” (Grand Rapids: CCEL), p. 107.
Notice two things about fasting. First, it’s for everyone. Basil mentions a range of people to remind us that it’s for both women and men, for prophets, lawgivers, athletes, and everyone else. Second, it requires surrender. Each person goes without something good and trusts God for something better by surrendering everything to God.
So, what are you hoping for this Lent? Maybe you want a baby? Peace in a time of war? Wisdom in a season of transition? Discernment for the future? Or something else? What might God have in store for you? There’s only one way to find out. Persevere in fasting. And as we enter week two of Lent, strengthen your prayer life. Start by adding this prayer to your fasting: the Surrender Novena. Pray it 10 times a day.
Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything. Amen.
Journal about any thoughts or feelings you have when pray this prayer.
The door to a generous life in the kingdom is opened with fasting (setting aside our desires) and prayer (attuning to God and what He desires).
If you have adopted the practice of fasting and surrender in prayer, pause to pray for others just engaging these disciplines for the first time this Lent.
Pray with me that God shows up in power and works in their lives. Before they can grow in generosity, God must transform them into surrendered conduits.