Prayer and Fasting for Lent
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Hi all:
Something we mentioned a few weeks ago in our Lent discussion was the idea of taking a couple days outside of HG to celebrate the three original intentions of Lent: Justice to God, Justice to Self, and Justice to Others.
I have thought it through and unless there are big conflicts/better suggestions, here’s my proposal. Rachel Olsem has offered her house (slash Margie’s house) in Old Town as a place for us to meet. For those who wish to partake in this event in any part, this is the plan:
For Justice to Self (we will celebrate this through group fasting) and Justice to God (we will celebrate this through prayer):
Fast from Wednesday March 4 at sundown to Thursday March 5 at sundown. Meet at Rachel’s house Thursday night (120 S Fayette Street in Old Town, Alexandria), we’ll say 7:00 PM, for prayer and a meal. How about we all bring one item potluck style?
Fasting can be what you feel is best for you, whether it’s the whole 24 hours or just part of the day. It’s a time for you to recognize the sacrifice God made on your behalf and be grateful for the coming resurrection. And really, whatever else it means to you. We will meet up to thank God and share what we’ve thought about or experienced throughout the day. I encourage you to pray throughout your day of fasting as well. I have had some really great experiences with God while fasting because you’re sort of humbled by your hunger. He’s revealed a lot to me in these times.
As for Justice to Others, stay tuned. I am working on an idea for some type of community service project. It will most likely be a half day or so on a weekend, but I will let you know for sure soon. Thanks! I hope this is something we can share together. I think it will be a special time 
Erin
Awesome ideas, Erin. Thanks!
hey Erin, that is great. I am so proud (as in, pleased) of our community really rallying around this season of Lent. I will think about participating although (or because) it will be difficult because I spend an inordinate amount of each day thinking about or doing something related to food.
Regarding the Justice to Others, tell me what you think about this: I am personally becoming more convicted about my consumeristic tendencies and probably others feel the same. We could make a conscious effort to take money we would normally spend on X (whatever that is for the person) and contribute it to some agreed-upon cause. I am generally skeptical of one-time service projects because often they give the volunteer a sense of satisfaction that I think is more than the amount contributed in that one instance. Hopefully we will have a project that gets around this.
I think that is a great idea. Would there be interest in meeting together before the fast/at beginning for some pray?
Thanks for your comments! I talked with Matt about doing the homeless shelter breakfast on March 29. We could combine this with Karen’s idea. Whatever you would spend on say a cup of coffee at Starbucks or on a nice lunch or something, you can give to buy groceries for the homeless shelter. We will use some to cook for them, and they can have the rest for the next meals!
I will do a separate posting on this since I’m not sure follow up comments are emailed, but thanks so much!
Oh and to Jen’s comment, we will definitely be praying before we eat…just to taunt people like Karen a little longer
sorry guys, I have to work Weds night and it is not the best time for a fast!