WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD    March 1, 2023

A Deeper Intimacy with the Lord

Mark 1:12-14 NRSV

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:14b)

In the Lenten season we honor the 40 days and nights following Jesus’ baptism when he went into the wilderness without water and food and was tempted by Satan. During that time, Jesus did what we do today when we fast; we face the trappings of temptation.

This is a time to grow in a deeper intimacy with the Lord. It is meant to be a time of reflection, penitence, repentance, and even spiritual wandering or wondering. It is a journey set aside to anticipate deeper intimacy with the Lord. Where we are self-energized, Jesus offers spirit-filled energy. Where we see a tightly packed schedule, Jesus offers balance and rhythm in our prayer life. Where see want, Jesus sees need.

The Lenten season gives us opportunity to debrief and reflect in prayer and fasting. Fasting and prayer is a time to separate yourself from your regular patterns and from things of the world and come closer to the Lord. The emphasis is on prayer.

When Jesus taught about fasting, he would say “when you fast,” not “if you fast” (Matthew 6:16). It is your personal decision when you fast. Jesus offered no technical instructions on when or how to fast, only that fasting should not be for outward show.

So. when you are drawn closer to the Spirit of God in prayer and fasting:

•   Prayer increases your hunger for God.

•   Prayer increases your appetite to focus on Jesus.

•   Prayer helps you release things from your self-control.

•   Prayer reminds you that you cannot get by without God.

•   Prayer increases room for the greatness that only God can offer.

•   Prayer can humble you, stripping pride away, rendering before God.

•   Prayer reminds you to lift your voice to God, for only God knows what you ­

need.

•   Pray for renewed spirit, and in your readiness, come to The Lord’s Table–His

Ultimate Passover Table. Prayerfully come proclaiming Jesus is Lord and

Savior. Jesus invites you to His table where there is room for all. And we offer

this prayer:

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.

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,

beholding your power and glory.

Because your steadfast love is better than life,

my lips will praise you.

So I will bless you as long as I live;

I will lift up my hands and call on your name. (Psalm 63: 1-4)   AMEN!

Rev. Carole