--> Required reading The Christian's daily walk, in holy security and peace by Henry Scudder (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 4 (Of religious fasting) by reading up to the heading 'Self judging for sin'.
Firstly he tells us:
(i) what fasting is;
(ii) who should fast;
(iii) how long one should fast.
Secondly Scudder begins to give us directions for keeping a religious fast. After giving us some instructions on the outward aspects of a fast, he moves to the inward aspect. This week he teaches us how to humble ourselves by finding out our sins - using the ten commandments and the gospel of Christ.
I always enjoy reading material on fasting, as it seems to be so undervalued in the Western Christian world.
Scudder gave us some good reasons for fasting: 'A day of fasting is a great assistance to the soul, for the better performing of holy duties, such as meditations, reading, and hearing the word, prayer, examining, judging, and reforming a person's self; both because his spirits are better disposed, when he is fasting, to serious devotion ; and the mind being so long taken wholly off from the thoughts, cares, and pleasures of this life, he may be more intent and earnest in seeking of God. '
Amen!
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 4 (Of religious fasting).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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