Lent is almost here! And, I re-read Matthew 6: 1-18 this evening to get ready for Almsgiving, Praying, and Fasting.
Just to recap for you, so you don’t have to go run for your Bibles (although that would be good if you did) verses 1-4 concern Almsgiving. Some highlights “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. . . . .But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. . . . and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Concerning Prayer–Verses 5-15 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. . . . But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Concerning Fasting – Verses 16-18 “And when you fast, do not look dismal like the hypocrites. . . . But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
The key to a good Lent: “and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Here is another great Lenten song for you to enjoy.
(And, beginning Ash Wednesday, I will post a daily prayer for Life as we participate in the 40 Days for Life Campaign across the country.)
Dr. Linda L. Powell 