Ministry of Fasting

Bible Reading: Isaiah 58:6-12
Author: Lance Ek (Florida, US)

Saturday 19 September 2026 © The Upper Room.

As I have completed my prison term here in Florida, I have come to appreciate the spiritual discipline of fasting. It has become a ministry for me. I always ask the Holy Spirit, ‘To whom should I give my meal tray today?’ Many times, the Spirit shocks me by leading me to give my meal to someone who isn’t a Christian. Often it’s someone I don’t even care for. The thought of giving my meal to someone like this at first seems like a mistake. I understand the Spirit’s guidance only when I see the look on his face as I hand him the tray and say, ‘God bless you.’ You see, most of the men here in prison are not used to kindness. I thank God for using me to show them some.

Prayer: Thank you, dear God, for helping us to show kindness in un­expected ways. Lead us to take care of one another as you care for us. We pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray, ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.’ Amen