Thursday - Enter In - Week 2
Welcome to daily prayer.
This week we are talking about the kind of fasting that God has chosen. Today, we are reminded that true fasting does not end with self-denial but leads to self-giving. God’s chosen fast opens our hearts to love, justice, and mercy.
As we begin our prayer, let us quiet our hearts and minds before the LORD.
Lord, you are not looking for performance but surrender.
Lord, I surrender everyone and everything to you.
I lay down my distractions. I acknowledge my indifference.
May your kingdom come and your will be done.
Soften my heart where it has grown hard and awaken compassion in me.
Father, would you free me from anything that keeps me from loving you and others well.
Teach me to fast in a way that reflects your heart.
Today, I put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh.
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
A Scripture Reading from Isaiah 58:6-9:
“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? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
A Prayer of Adoration:
Lord, you are a God of goodness, mercy and compassion. You hears the cries of the hurting and the broken. You set us free. You are a defender of the poor and vulnerable. You are a self-giving God who gave yourself for us and for our salvation. You are both just and the justifier of those who put their faith in you.
Lord, you gave us an example to follow and you gave us your Spirit to transform us and for that, I adore you.
A Prayer of Confession:
Lord, I confess that I have been turned in on myself and mainly thought about my own problems and concerns. I have been indifferent to the needs of others. I have not loved my neighbor as myself. Forgive me Lord.
Forgive me for the times I have turned away from the needs of my own family and from my church family. I confess that my spiritual life has been disconnected from generosity and love of others.
Hear the good news: though our sins be like scarlet, Christ has made us white as wool. By his mercy he forgives our sin, heals our brokenness, and sets us free to love God and neighbor again. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
A Prayer of Trust:
Lord, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust that as I take your easy yoke on me and learn from you that I will find rest and purpose.
A Prayer of Intercession:
Lord, give your church grace to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before you. We don’t want to just know your Word or quote your will, we want to be active in reflecting your heart.
Lord, you call us to loose the chains of injustice and break every yoke. Empower us Lord. Hear our prayers. Lord, we pray for eyes to see and a heart of compassion for the oppressed and vulnerable. Make us a courageous and a compassionate church.
A Moment of Reflection:
Lord, who can I serve or encourage today in your name?
A Closing Prayer:
Lord, I don’t want to offer token prayers and live a life that contradicts your heart. May your kingdom come and your will be done in us and through us. We want our prayers, our giving, and our fasting to be aligned with your good purposes. Help us Lord. Renew me by your Spirit that I would love you completely, love myself correctly, and love others compassionately for the glory of your name.
May all we say and do bring honor and glory to you,
in the name of Jesus,
Amen