Desert Disciplines (Week 1, Devotion 3)

           “So when you give to the needy…”

           “And when you pray…”

           “When you fast…”      (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16)

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Jesus instructs his followers how to perform their “acts of righteousness.” He’s not so much telling them what to do as telling them how to do something they apparently are already doing. (The point he's making, by the way, is to do those spiritual disciplines quietly before God, rather than conspicuously before other people.)

Over the next several weeks, we’ll focus on each of the desert disciplines:  prayer, alms-giving, and fasting.  But for now—you might simply pray and ask God where to begin.

You might pick something to “fast” from--a comfort or pleasure you can lay aside to make more space for God. You certainly might begin making more spaces during the day—even brief ones—to pray and be aware of God’s company on the journey. And you might start looking for fresh opportunities to give to those in need.

Through it all, we're mindful of walking with Jesus, of following him to the awful and wonderful cross.  We face the fear of pain and loss in the sure hope of life.

                              “Teach me your way, O LORD, 

                                  that I may walk in your truth;

                                unite my heart to fear your name”    

                                                         (Psalm 86:11 ESV)