Liturgy 070: Fasting and the Chains of Injustice

Second Week of Lent

Lectio Divina

Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice, to set the oppressed free?
— Isaiah 58:6

Prayer

O God of the poor,
I have fasted in ways that cost me nothing.

I have prayed while closing my hands
to the needs of my neighbor.

But You call me to a different way—
a fast that feeds the hungry,
a prayer that moves my feet,
a love that seeks the good of the stranger.

Break my heart with what breaks Yours.
Let my worship be justice.
Let my love be more than sentiment.

Amen.

Blessing

Beloved

May your faith be more than ritual.
May your prayer be more than words.

May your love bear fruit
in mercy, justice, and kindness.

In the Name of the One
Who Came to Set the Captives Free

Amen.