Fasting, prayer and almsgiving are non-negotiable in the life of a Christian. The Lord gives us some key insights into these powerful spiritual practices, and by using them we refine our hearts and purify our souls.
“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” May the start of this season of Lent transform our hearts as we draw closer to Christ and one another.
It’s easy to sometimes focus on externals and miss the spiritual disciplines that are essential. May we take the time today to reflect on where we put effort in our lives as we follow Jesus Christ.
Jesus teaches that our actions are accountable to God and not to be done for our own gratification. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are powerful ways to live our faith, provided that they are done for God’s glory and not our own.
The practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving are powerful disciplines that the Church has embraced from the teaching of Jesus, and they offer immense power in shaping and guiding our spiritual lives.
The ashes on our foreheads invite us to repent of the sins that keep us from God and one another. Through fasting, prayer and almsgiving we have powerful tools that can open our hearts and transform our lives in this great season of Lent.
God loves a cheerful giver, and with the enthusiasm of a child we can offer our lives in prayer, service, fasting and almsgiving. May we give generously and joyfully, recalling that all that we have is a gift from the Lord.