04.06.22 | Ending Discord
During today’s time of fasting and prayer, we will be using our FAST movement to guide us through Psalm 23:5, focusing on ending discord.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
As you go through the movements of FAST, be mindful of the connections between Psalm 23:5 and any places of discord that may come up for you.
First, Focus: Find a quiet place to settle your mind and open yourself to the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Second, Adoration: Spend time honoring and exalting God, tell him what you appreciate about him. Contemplate on who he is and what he has done.
Third, Speak: Commune with God, taking moments to both speak to him about what’s on your heart and to pause and listen for his voice. Use journals to write down what you hear. In an effort to truly understand what Jesus wants to communicate to you, ask questions like:
- In what specific ways has God anointed or blessed me?
- What gifts has God given to me?
Ask God to give you a vision for how these gifts overflow in service to others. Take note of what this might look like.
- What would it take for me to sit at a table and have a meal with a genuine enemy?
- Whether it’s sitting down with an opposing soldier in a war or an opposing co-worker in an office conflict – why would God want to host dinner party for us?
- Why would the Good Shepherd want to “prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies?”
Listen and note any words or impressions.
Fourth, Transform: Commit to taking active steps to change or address what the Lord revealed during your time of fasting. In response to what came up as you spoke with and listened to God, think of a specific transformative action about ending discord.
Here are some suggestions, but feel free to create your own based on your time with God:
- For five minutes each day, practice Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:1 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Take 20-30 minutes this week to ask God to bring to mind someone you need to ask forgiveness from, and then actually connect with them and ask for their forgiveness.
- Design your own practice. Make it practical, prayerful, and helpful for abandoning fear.