Prayers of the People - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

March: Fasting
March 1–8
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“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,
so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
—Matthew 6:17–18
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days, excluding Sundays. It is a time for
self-examination and reflection as followers of Jesus prepare their hearts for the somber events of Holy Week
and the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. The spiritual discipline most often associated with Lent
is fasting.
While fasting usually means doing without food for a period of time, it can also mean giving up a
specific food item, a habit, or a time-consuming activity. The 40-day period of Lent is an opportunity to “let go”
of some behavior and to reflect on how it controls us. Giving up some habit or activity provides time to replace
it with a spiritual practice that helps us grow in the image of Christ. Jesus encouraged his followers to fast
and to do it in a manner that does not attract attention. Whatever we choose as a Lenten discipline or spiritual
practice, Jesus cautions about our making it a big deal in front of others.
The season of Lent calls us to sacrifice something of ourselves. It reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made
on our behalf and the challenge to become more like him.
Prayerfully consider observing a 24-hour fast from food during Lent. Helpful guidelines are available in
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. Or fast from something else that tends to control you.
“O God, you are my God, I seek
you, my soul thirsts for you; my
flesh faints for you, as in a dry
and weary land where there is no
water.”
—Psalm 63:1
Sangrawee is the host of La Masion Mathieu d’Montreal ministry where she lives with and welcomes refugees who
have fled their homelands in search of peace and a new life. Sangrawee believes God brought her to Canada from
Thailand so she would find her way and experience truth. During her difficult relocation, her marriage failed and,
with it, the right for her daughter to live with her. In her struggle a Christian friend gave her an invitation to church,
a Bible, and a word of hope. Now she tells her family and friends in Thailand often about her ministry and hopes
to return one day as a missionary among her people. Partnered with Sangrawee, CBF field personnel Kim and Marc
Wyatt are working in Canada to create welcoming communities and strategies for befriending and sharing the
gospel with refugees and immigrants.
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