GOD’S GLORY IS UPON US WHEN WE FAST AND PRAY!

SILENT INTERLUDES

February 25, 2020

CALM DOWN – GOD IS ABLE!

February 28, 2020

26^th to 27^th FEBRUARY 2020
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness; to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard” – Isaiah 58:6-8

Lent is here again! This is a period when many denominations of the church chose to fast and pray for God’s intervention in our material lives as well as to strengthen our righteousness before God, so we may remain God’s chosen people forever! Although we fast collectively and individually at some other times of the year as may be decreed by our various denominations, coming together to fast as one family of God’s people like the Lenten period is unique! This is because during this period, the church of Christ, not minding her various denominations, cry out to God with one voice. saying; “Father, here we come, receive us to thyself”. There is strength and power in our prayers when we are thus united at a time like this in prayers and supplications to God.

When we fast at Lent, we ought to voluntarily withdraw from food and/or drink, or other fleshly appetites, and physical desires for a period of forty days. In any case, Lent is traditionally described as lasting for 40 days starting from today, in commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to the Scripture in the Books of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning His public ministry, during which he endured temptation by Satan.

During the period of Lent, we are expected to eat “sufficient to sustain strength, but definitely not sufficient to satisfy hunger”. However, if you live in places or countries where there is war or the standard of living is lower, you may replace fasting with prayers only. Otherwise, where economic well-being is greater, you may consider giving much more to Lent in order to make your fasting experience a lasting one.

Although so many doctrines and rules of fasting applies to different church denominations, what is very important is your conscience, willingness to pray and to fast during any period of fasting, whether during Lenten periods or at some other times. The love of God certainly cuts across denominations, finding a resting place in the heart of His children!

The Lenten period is also a period to repent from wrong habits and attitudes that are debasing to a Royal Priest that you are! There are several reasons we fast, the chief reason being to make peace with God, and to receive the grace to remain at peace with Him. Although Christ in God is already reconciling man to God, this is, however, the period to strengthen that bond of reconciliation and peace between man and God through prayers, charity, and fasting.

The Lenten season is also a period to get closer to God in order to receive help for our agelong needs. Moses fasted, Jesus and his disciples fasted and so many prophets and Apostles of Christ also fasted. The word of God today reminds us of the reasons and the benefits of fasting and prayers:

– To loose the bonds of wickedness; to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke.

– To do many acts of charity to the weak and the vulnerable among us.

– To receive healing in all aspects of our life, and to receive strength to overcome in the days of trouble.

– To make peace with God and all men so that we may have the holiness and righteousness that will keep us perpetually in God’s presence.

Do you have a problem to solve? Needing a spiritual revival? Needing to conquer some mental and emotional problems? Helping someone to overcome physical, moral and spiritual needs? Needing a clearer focus in life? Do you want to achieve a more righteous life and influential testimony? Do you need the glory of the Lord, to protect you from the negative forces of the day and nights? This is the time to pray and fast together as one family of God’s people. Remember, fasting does not give you a blank cheque from God. In fasting, you receive in accordance with the will of God for you! I can only assure you that fasting goes several millions of miles ahead of you to right the wrongs standing against you in the presence of God! However, remember that without faith, it is difficult to please God. Therefore, when we fast, we must believe that God is already in control; We must, therefore, leave the outcome of our fasting and prayers to God!

HAPPY LENTEN SEASON!

PRAYERS

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I submit to you throughout this season of fasting and prayers. I ask for your Grace and miracle in my family. Touch me in a special way and let your will be done in my life. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Matthew 4:1-11; I Corinthians 7:5

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.