My Cherished Abba ~ Father God ~
Because you are wise AND perfectly loving, I chose to turn over in trust my entire physical being. I give you cheerful permission to tell me when to sleep and when to rise, even if you choose to interrupt my sleep or require me to rest when I’d rather be watching TV. I give you eager permission to direct the first thought and action of each day. I give you deliberate permission to direct my diet and exercise each morning, day and evening; so that I have enough energy for the demands and sacrifices of that day. I give you parental permission to tell me to put away any childish things or unhealthy habits, or unhealthy attitudes, including caffeine, sugar, junk food, television, snack foods, soda pop, salty foods, fatty foods and any others I have failed to mention. I promise to trust that you will provide enough time for whatever you have in mind for the rest of that day. I give you eager permission to direct me to the people you wish for me to serve and to interact with each day as well as those you wish for me to avoid or reduce my interaction with even if you direct me to people I don’t particularly care for and tell me to avoid those that I particularly enjoy. I give you friendly permission to suggest to me your preferences for anything you put at my disposal, including my money, my vehicle, my talents, my home, my resources, and my work. I give you loving, grateful permission to add to this prayer of dedication anything you wish I had included.
Dear First Faster ~
This week, I was challenged myself by your trepidation; so I have decided to take the advice I found in a new study I am doing with 'family members' at my church. The authors proposed that we each write a "Prayer of Dedication" to God in preparation for a fast (Step 1) and then Determine the "Privation" of the fast . . . that is, determine what it is in which you will de-prive your SELF during your fast. Some deprivations mentioned are (beyond food or meals) television and other "vidiot" time; sleep or rest (in favor of study and/or exercise). I decided to share my prayer below so that you can see that God actually suggested privations as I wrote the prayer! (hmmmm) Before a single day had past, he had directed someone to me to tell me to add alfalfa (or wheat grass) to my diet, to turn off the television when I'm sleeping (or at least cover the light that it puts out) to start paying attention to how much sweet and salty snack foods I was sliding into my diet, and prompting me to park my car in one location downtown and WALK from place to place during the business day. I also noticed I watched more "health" shows like Dr OZ on TV instead of toxic "junk" shows. And it seems no matter what Christian station I punch in, everyone seems to be discussing a fast! (hmmmmm) So I hope that's encouraging to you as you prepare for this first spiritual blessing and journey with me!
My Prayer of Dedication to You, Abba Father
