Prayer and meditation durnig the fast

Doxology Prayer:

Doxology is a profound prayer of praise and worship, encapsulating theological truths, promoting humility, fostering unity among believers, and reminding us of our purpose in God’s grand design. It is a significant part of Christian tradition and worship, serving as a beautiful expression of faith and adoration for the Almighty.

1. Worship and Praise: The Doxology is a powerful expression of worship and praise to God. It acknowledges the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, emphasizing that His judgments are beyond human comprehension. It glorifies God for His unmatched understanding and sovereignty over all things.

2. Theology: It encapsulates important theological concepts, such as God’s omniscience (all-knowing nature), His sovereignty (His rule over all creation), and His self-sufficiency (that no one has given to God that He should repay). These concepts are fundamental to understanding God’s character.

3. Humility: The Doxology reminds us of our limited understanding in comparison to God’s wisdom. It humbles us, recognizing that we cannot fully grasp the mind of the Lord or advise Him. This humility is essential in fostering a proper relationship with God.

4. Unity: This passage from Romans 11:33-36 is often used in Christian worship services and is recited by believers together. It fosters a sense of unity among Christians as they collectively give glory to God.

5. Eternal Perspective: By acknowledging that all things are “of Him, through Him, and to Him,” the Doxology reminds us of the eternal perspective. It emphasizes that everything in existence ultimately finds its purpose and meaning in God, underscoring the importance of seeking God’s glory in all aspects of life.

The Prayer

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36

Read this next verse and meditate on it.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul transitions from doctrinal teachings to practical instructions for Christian living. He starts this chapter with a powerful appeal based on the profound truths he has expounded in the previous chapters regarding God’s mercy, grace, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

1. Living Sacrifice: Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a “living sacrifice.” In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered on altars, often involving the shedding of blood. However, under the new covenant, believers are called to offer themselves entirely to God. Fasting can be seen as a form of sacrifice where we deny ourselves physical nourishment for a spiritual purpose. By fasting, we symbolize our willingness to set aside our own desires and submit to God’s will.

2. Holy and Pleasing to God: Fasting, when done with a pure heart and genuine devotion, is a holy and pleasing act to God. It demonstrates our commitment to pursuing His righteousness and seeking His presence. It’s a way to consecrate ourselves for His service and align our lives with His purpose.

3. True and Proper Worship: True worship goes beyond rituals and ceremonies; it involves a heart surrendered to God. Fasting can be a profound expression of worship because it signifies our desire to honour God above all else, even our physical needs.

4. Renewing of Your Mind: Fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food; it’s also about renewing our minds. When we fast, we create a space for spiritual reflection, prayer, and meditation on God’s Word. This process of renewing our minds allows us to discern God’s will more clearly.

5. Transformation: Fasting can lead to personal transformation. As we deny ourselves physically, we become more attuned to the spiritual realm. Our priorities shift, and our desires align with God’s desires. This transformation empowers us to resist conformity to worldly patterns and live according to God’s standards.

6. Discerning God’s Will: Ultimately, fasting can help us discern God’s will more effectively. When our minds are renewed and our hearts are surrendered, we are better equipped to understand and align ourselves with God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.

As a person, it’s essential to emphasize that fasting is not a ritual or a mere tradition; it is a spiritual discipline that, when practised with a humble and sincere heart, can draw us closer to God, transform our lives, and enable us to live in accordance with His will. It is a beautiful way to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, just as Romans 12:1-2 encourages us to do.

Prayer for persecuted Christians in a country which is not Christian Faith.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with heavy hearts, burdened by the plight of our persecuted brothers and sisters in lands where the Christian faith is not embraced. We lift them up to You, knowing that You are our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble.

Your Word reminds us in Psalm 34:17-18: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Lord, we pray for Your divine intervention and protection over Your precious children who face persecution and suffering.

In the face of adversity, we find solace and strength in Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Heavenly Father, we ask that You strengthen the persecuted Christians, filling them with unwavering faith and courage in the midst of trials.

Lord, we remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” May this promise bring comfort to those who suffer for their faith, reminding them that their reward is great in Your eternal kingdom.

We pray for the persecutors, following the example of Jesus, who said in Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Soften the hearts of those who oppose the Christian faith, opening their eyes to the truth and love found in Jesus Christ.

Finally, we draw strength from Romans 8:35, 37-39: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Heavenly Father, may these words resonate in the hearts of the persecuted, reminding them of Your unbreakable love and eternal presence.

In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Further studies

The ability to see to have spiritual perception

Summary of the article written by Keith & Janet Miller

• Praying for empowerment by the Holy Spirit to have spiritual perception.
• Seeking increased ability to see spiritually for various aspects of life.
• Encouragement to not be discouraged by challenges but to use spiritual vision.
• Emphasizing the importance of looking beyond the visible and focusing on the eternal.
• Comparing spiritual eyesight to natural eyesight.
• Explaining how faith opens spiritual eyes.
• Highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to see spiritually.
• Using examples from the Bible, such as Elisha and John the Baptist, to illustrate spiritual vision.
• Emphasizing the depth and significance of spiritual understanding.
• The transformative power of seeing things as God sees them.
• The revelation of the Trinity during Jesus’ baptism as a powerful glimpse of spiritual reality.

https://www.sfwm.org/blog/post/the-ability-to-see-to-have-spiritual-perception