It is the evening of Friday, February 23rd. As I enter prayer now, I slow my body and quiet my mind,

setting my whole being in the presence of the living God

who is ever present to me, recalling the day I've lived,

treasuring its blessings as I look into God's face, and laying its burdens at his feet. Oh, I'm Abba Father, in this Lenten season of prayer and fasting, I ask that you'd not only work through my prayers but work within me, even beyond my prayers.

The laying aside of one appetite with the aid of your spirit gives rise to another.

Toon my taste buds to hunger for your presence,

my eyes to see your coming,

my ears to hear your whisper,

and my lips to savor your blessings,

which are showered upon me each day, even this one. A reading from Psalm 34. I will extol the Lord at all times. This praise will always be on my lips.

I will glory in the Lord, let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called and the Lord heard him.

He saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him

and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

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