Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6
“Our prayers and fastings are of less avail, unless they are aided by almsgiving; that entreaties alone are of little force to obtain what they seek, unless they be made sufficient by the addition of deeds and good works…our petitions become efficacious by almsgiving, that life is redeemed from dangers by almsgiving, that souls are delivered from death by almsgiving.”
Cyprian of Carthage (190-258) in his Treatise 8. On Works and Alms, 5.
Our care for a neighbor in need is just words without deeds and good works, also known as almsgiving. Notice, Cyprian says that “our petitions become efficacious” when we couple them with good actions.
I am safely in Beijing and rather than talk about my context, let’s reflect where each of us finds ourselves today. God wants our fasting to loose, untie, and set free those around us.
This implies that we have eyes to see the needs around us. From there, we pray. Then we set aside our desires, which is the fasting part, and we take action to bring deliverance, freedom, and life to those around us.
Now unpack Cyprian’s words in light of Isaiah’s. Our prayers and fastings avail much, they become efficacious, they redeem some from dangers and deliver others from death. These are powerful proclamations.
Whether you find yourself in Beijing, Boston, Berlin, Barcelona, or Beirut. Needs abound all around you. Don’t just pray for them. Set aside your agenda and your desires and add deeds or good works to your prayers.
I find peace today knowing that God heard the prayers and saw the almsgiving of a centurion named Cornelius (Acts 10:2). God showed up for Him, so I know he will show up for us as we add deeds and good works to our petitions and fasting.