Mid Morning

Ezra 8:21-23

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.  I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Answer to prayer. That's what Ezra sought, and it is what we should be seeking. It is possible to fast without praying. Let's avoid that pitfall. Let's make sure that we use this day of fasting for passionate prayer. Let's not be timid. Let's shout to the Lord.

Before we ask for anything, let's praise God. Let's thank God. 

The day is still young. For many, real hunger has not yet been an issue. Still, we probably notice that our stomachs are not full. As hunger pangs begin (or increase), use those as reminders to turn to God in prayer.

During this mid-morning break, be sure to devote some of your prayer time to Adam's family. His wife, Amy, provided us with specific prayer requests in her Monday evening blog, Praises and Prayers. Let's all include her request as we lift up close family members in our mid-morning prayers.

God answered Ezra's prayers. Surely He will answer ours.