16 August 2011
I find fasting difficult. Come Thursday morning I raid the fridge to grab something for lunch – then remember it’s my fast day! I close the door a little wistfully and rush for the train, still thinking about my stomach.
But what are my little stomach rumblings in the face of 12 million people facing starvation? As the famine in East Africa worsens, there has been a four-fold increase in the number of children arriving at Dadaab refugee camp.
Every day about 1,300 exhausted, emaciated people arrive there. More than half are children – some so malnourished they can barely lift their heads.
An overwhelming 400,000 refugees are now seeking help there.
How we respond is up to us, but one way I’ve found helpful is to fast and pray. Fasting shows God that we’re in earnest, and that we care. It also shows some degree of solidarity towards those without food.
Although the day seems to go slower when I fast, it makes me quicker to pray and to be aware my blessings.
Today’s Scripture verses remind us that we can fast for those whose health is failing, and can receive the reward of answered prayer.
Pray...
Dear Lord. For those of us who feel we should fast, may the times we do so help us become more aware of You, Your world and the suffering within it.
Thank you for prompting us to pray, and that Scripture encourages us in our fasting.
Although some may see this as a token gesture, fasting shows that we’re serious about You and about praying. Remind us, as we go without food for however long we believe we should do so, that others have no choice and are facing starvation.
As our hunger makes us aware of our physical needs, help us to be aware of the needs of others – physical and spiritual.
As we fast and pray for Africa’s children, quicken our spirits, speed the attempts of those bringing succour, and hasten the day of Your coming.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen