Lent began on Ash Wednesday. 

And some people will try fasting. 

Fasting is about giving things up in order to focus more on better ways of living. 

As we journey through Lent, maybe there are some life changes you want to make. To feel better, to do better, to think more clearly, to pray more regularly. 

Pope Francis suggested this as a list of ways of fasting that didn’t require anyone to give up eating:

• Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
• Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
• Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
• Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
• Fast from worries and have trust in God.
• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
• Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
• Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
• Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
• Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
• Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

As we try these things, we come closer to God and feel his presence. In these moments, the world feels less scary and unpredictable and our lives feel more valuable - as we see our worth is valued by the God who sent his Son for us to live full lives with him. 

Lord Jesus,

As we walk through times where the world feels unsettled - grant us your peace.

As we seek to get through our days - may your spirit bring us hope and joy. 

As we look to the future - may we see brightness and blessing in our path with you our God. 

Amen.