Scripture

“When you fast, don’t make it obvious as the hypocrites do, for they like to look miserable and dishevelled so people will admire them for their fasting.”

Observation

We must not make it obvious when we fast. We do not fast for the accolades of men, but to draw closer to the Father.

We must not store up treasures for ourselves, where we might lose them anyway. Instead we should store up treasures in heaven which do not lose their value.

Our eyes are like lamps for the body. We must make sure that our eyes are good so that we walk in God’s light.

Application

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent when many christians undertake some kind of partial fasting as a preparation for Easter.

Jesus says that whenever we fast, for whatever reason, we should not make a big deal of it. Some people have a way of drawing attention to their own spiritual practices. They may not make their appearance look miserable as a sign of their fasting, but they manage to let you know how spiritual they are.

Jesus says that these people have already received their reward in the form of the approval of others. If we want to seek God in the various spiritual disciplines and practices, we must do so from a place of humility and hiddenness.

When we let people know about our fasting or prayer practices, we run the risk of becoming proud of our achievements for God and so they become counter-productive.

Prayer

Lord, please teach me how to fast and pray in such a way that I seek your presence. Protect me from every temptation to pride. Amen.

Scripture

“Pray like this…”

Observation

Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray.

We start with adoration or praise, praying for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done. Then we pray for food and forgiveness, as well as strength in temptation.

Forgiveness of others is a condition to receive forgiveness from God.

Application

Although christians are not required to pray according to a form or a set of words, it is useful to have a model for prayer like this one.

The heart of the Lord’s Prayer is for God’s kingdom to be manifest here on earth. Of course, tchat responsibility starts with me as an individual connected with others in the Body of Christ.

So we must pray for God’s will to be done on earth and be prepared to be the one that gets to do it.

As people of the Holy Spirit, we must never reduce prayer to empty words. The Lord’s Prayer is a template on which we may build our prayer times if we wish. It must never become a substitute for listening to the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, teach me to pray in your way. Mat I always pray in your inspiration and power. Amen.