Isaiah 58: 6-7
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
For many people, fasting and Lent are inseparable. In fact, some religious groups go as far as specifying rules for fasting during the season of Lent. I often hear people talking about what they plan to do during the season…what food they plan to give up…what activities they plan to restrict. In preparation for writing this devotion, I began to wonder about the official position of the United Methodist Church on fasting during the Lenten season. According to the UMC website, the UMC views.
Lent as a very personal time, therefore there are no strict guidelines on fasting. According to the website, however, there is a clear biblical basis for fasting. Fasting has long been a part of the United Methodist tradition. In fact, John Wesley felt that fasting was an important component of the Christian life and fasted every week. Wesley believed that fasting was more meaningful if combined with increased emphasis on prayer and charity.
John Wesley’s approach to fasting seems to parallel the approach described by the author of Isaiah. What opportunities do we have in our own community to “undo the heavy burdens” or “deal thy bread to the hungry?” Perhaps in our preparation for Lent we should look not only for foods or behaviors to avoid, but for meaningful activities to put in their place.
Written by Lynn Carter
It's not too late to heed Lynn's advice and challenge yourself to Do Lent Generously!
www.40acts.org.uk
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