Today's devotional mentions the private spiritual disciplines of prayer, offerings, and fasting. The Lenten season is often associated with some form of fasting. The author says ". . . we receive a gift when we participate in meaningful spiritual disciplines." Surely such gifts are deeper when we devote focused time to our spiritual life.
Last year, I learned about the merits of meditation with prayer. When I was practicing that daily, I felt so much more centered and calm throughout my days. What a gift that was!
What kinds of gifts do we experience from practicing private prayer, offerings, and fasting? How do we grow in our faith? How does our connection with and nourishment from God's spirit grow as a result? How do these practices affect our relationship with God? And how do we keep those disciplines going after Lent is over?
I have never thought of giving as a spiritual practice. I would like to learn more about that. I don’t feel disciplined enough for some spiritual practices but maybe this is something I can do in a more mindful, intentional way.
When I read this section today, I remembered a time when I was teaching sixth grade at Scott-Rowland Middle School in Harrisburg. I was on lunch duty for the 7th graders and I noticed 2 brothers not eating lunch, not even drinking anything. They assured me they were fine. The next day I noticed the same 2 brothers not eating. Concerned that their family may have had some financial problems, I decided to talk to the head administrator. He promised me he would check this out. I know by now you guessed that they were celebrating Ramadan. That made a very deep impression on me. A child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)