fasting

 fasting

"This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
   to break the chains of injustice,
   get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
   free the oppressed,
   cancel debts.
What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
   sharing your food with the hungry,
   inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
   putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
   being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
   and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
   The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
   You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.' "

Isaiah 58:6-9

Abba Father, help me to fast in a way that pleases you. Sacrifice just for sacrifice's sake just doesn't cut it. Show me where I can serve others and in doing so serve you while I fast. What I do in secret is seen only by you. Help me to not boast in my own works, announcing how fabulous I am, but to quietly serve you so that your glory is all I seek, all I promote. You are worthy to be praised. You are the Almighty God, the God who saves, who rescues those who are drowning in their own sin and wrongdoing. Merciful Lord, Righteous Judge, Heavenly Father.

"God is supremely esteemed. His center holds.
   Zion brims over with all that is just and right.
God keeps your days stable and secure—
   salvation, wisdom, and knowledge in surplus,
   and best of all, Zion's treasure, Fear-of-God."   

"Who of us can get out of this purge with our lives?'"

 The answer's simple:
   Live right,
   speak the truth,
   despise exploitation,
   refuse bribes,
   reject violence,
   avoid evil amusements.
This is how you raise your standard of living!
   A safe and stable way to live.
   A nourishing, satisfying way to live."

Isaiah 33: 5-6, 15-16