Today, we hear from Vicki Herrick, who has been attending LCC for 33 years …

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to
people that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what
is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:17-18)

These verses were a continuation of the scripture that I read on January 3. At that time, I was
reminded that the words of Jesus were “when you fast” and not “if you fast.”
I have followed the Lord since I was a young child. When I was in elementary school, I noticed
that my classmates who were Catholic “gave up” something during Lent—meat, chocolate,
Coca-Cola, etc. I didn’t realize that their abstinence was a type of fasting. Fasting was a
mystery to me because my family never practiced that spiritual discipline. As an adult, I found
out that fasting does have a place in a believer’s life.

Fasting helps me to take the focus off myself and to make God the priority. My fasts are usually
24-hour periods of not eating. I find my prayer time to be much richer when I am fasting.
However, fasting doesn’t have to be denying yourself food. Fasting can be giving up any
physical fulfillment such as TV, computers or cell phones. If you have never considered fasting,
this Lenten season might be a good time to try this spiritual discipline as we remember the
sacrifice that our Lord made.

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