Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Fasting and Feasting

Lenten Fasting and Feasting  
by William Arthur Ward

Fast from judging others; feast on the God indwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the reality of life.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
         Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting,
gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others
in carrying out your work.

                                                      Amen.

1 comment:

Katy Bug said...

This was beautiful, especially "Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify." I think everyone could benefit from that every single day of the year.