Fast Sunday
Sunday August 02nd 2009, 7:49 am
Filed under: Life

It’s Sunday, the Sabbath for us, and I want to put aside yesterday’s mess and let the quiet of the day in.

And it’s Fast Sunday. The first Sunday of the month, we adult Mormons and children of varying ages as they feel comfortable doing so put aside food for 24 hours.  We donate the money (and then some, hopefully) that we would have spent on our own tables towards feeding those in need: thinking of others, perhaps feeling what some have to go through who have so little, putting ourselves aside for the moment.  Trying to focus on serving God and all mankind.

Or else simply going growly and hungry and complying out of peer pressure. Or not even.  It’s up to each to decide what they’ll do and how they’ll approach it.

It is, in its best, a discipline that shows that our spirits are masters of our bodies and not the other way around, and, as well, a time when our prayers feel intensified as we dedicate our fast towards some particular person or persons in whatever kind of need.

I used to be more fully a part of this.  But my health is what it is, and I’ve been counseled to skip the fast and not feel guilty about it.  Certainly the full 24 hours’ worth, at least.

Wistful, then, is more the word.

My niece Rachel contracted a virus and has been ill for several weeks while trying to manage a busy householdful of small children.  I am sending up an especially heartfelt prayer for her today.

I have in-person friends and blog readers that I know of who need that caring and thoughtfulness, too, and I’m trying not to miss anyone.

And, as I sit here typing this, I suddenly realize I need to say a prayer for the in-the-wrong-place collection agency guy: he so needed the changing that only comes through love, even though he’ll never know I did such a thing, and I need it to help me see him as a hurt person and let it go.


12 Comments so far
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I got nervous when I started reading and am glad you’re nourishing your body as well as your soul today! I don’t think anyone could ever accuse you of gluttony, except when it comes to yarn.

As you know, I’m not affiliated with a church but my private request today is: “May all of Alison’s prayers be answered.”

Comment by LynnM 08.02.09 @ 8:09 am

Again with the wisdom, Alison 🙂 Thank you. Your empathy is always so inspiring.

Comment by Kathleen 08.02.09 @ 10:56 am

I know what you mean about being wistful about full observance of church traditions. In my church (Episcopal/Anglican) one tradition is not to eat before receiving communion. Father Miller, may he rest in peace, insisted that with the morning medications I take I was not to fast. I said yes, Father, and obeyed, but wistfully. He made me understand it’s not about the rules, it’s about the devotion.

Comment by Barbara-Kay 08.02.09 @ 11:08 am

This day feed the soul instead of the body. All things need nourishing, and I’m so happy to know that you recognize this even if your health does not permit the actual observance. There will come a time when you will be able to do so.

Humor (to feed something):

“THE SKY IS FALLING”

One day the first grade teacher was reading the story of Chicken Little to her class. She came to the part where Chicken Little warns the farmer. She read, “and Chicken Little went up to the farmer and said, ‘The sky is falling!'” The teacher then asked the class, “And what do you think the farmer said?” One little girl raised
her hand and said, “I think he said, ‘Holy mackerel! A talking chicken!'”

Comment by Don Meyer 08.02.09 @ 11:28 am

As a Catholic teen whose MD godfather saw to it I knew fasting wasn’t healthy or smart for me, I truly can sympathize. It sounds as though you head is clear and your heart is where it needs to be, even without the benefit of a fast.

I too will pray that your prayers are answered.

Comment by Channon 08.02.09 @ 12:27 pm

I like what LynnM said – may all of your prayers be answered (with a yes of course). And also (of course) sending love and hugs your way.

Comment by (formerly) no-blog-rachel 08.02.09 @ 2:53 pm

I know that God will bless you richly!

Comment by Pam 08.02.09 @ 6:54 pm

Once again, an inspiration. I, too, am praying that all, yours, and ours, prayers are answered. You are blessed with a “prayer chain”, dear friend!

At our age, I think many of us find the physical part of the fast difficult, if not unwise. But for most, it is hoped that the gesture is replaced by increased compassion and goodwill toward others. You have done this infinitely!

Take care, you are in my heart,
Cathy

Comment by Cathy (catsandyarn on ravelry) 08.02.09 @ 8:53 pm

Sounds like you had a well balanced weekend: lots of activity with friends and loved ones and some time to say thanks and pray for those who could, for sure, use some enlightment (sp?).

Please keep taking good care of yourself!

Comment by Suzanne in Mtl 08.03.09 @ 6:14 am

More Lucy-prayer stories.

Last night, she was up late because we had friends over; she finally passed out in my arms on the couch, and I stood up to carry her to bed; she woke up halfway down the hallway to her room, and demanded in her sleepy little voice “Dada bed, light on.” No ‘okay,’ no negotiation; just “This is where I will sleep; try otherwise, and there will be screaming.” So I lay her down in our bed, and thought she’d just fall back to sleep; she almost did, and then opened her eyes and looked at me, and said, clear as crystal, “God.”

I blinked. “What was that?”

“God.”

“Do you want to say prayers?

Huge smile. “Okay.”

/cue mama melting.

Comment by Kristine 08.03.09 @ 9:57 am

You are a very kind person to send prayer and love to the collection agent. So many people send brickbats.

I finally bought your book and am, very clumsily, trying the stitches for the Julia shawl before buying some wonderful yarn for the project. Rather than cuss a blue streak when messing up, I am trying to use each stitch as a prayer. Many of them are for you.

Comment by Patty Day 08.03.09 @ 10:09 am

Prayers. Ah, they sometimes work.

As you know, right?

Thanks for the prayers.

Comment by afton 08.03.09 @ 1:28 pm



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