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Dear Father,
Today I decide to fast. I
decide for fasting because your prophets used to fast, because
Jesus Christ fasted and so did His apostles and disciples. I
especially decide for fasting today because your servant, Mother Mary,
fasted too.
She called me to fast when she said: "Dear Children: Today, I
invited you to start fasting with the heart. There are alot
of people who fast because others do so. Fasting is a habit nobody
wants to give up. I ask the parish to fast out of gratitude
that God allowed me to stay in this parish so long. Dear Children,
fast and pray with the heart! Thank you for having responded
to my call" (9/20/84)
So Father, I present this day of fasting to you. Through
fasting:
- I want to listen to and
live your word more.
- I want to learn to be turned more toward you, in spite of
all the things that surround me.
- I want to fast for all who are hungry.
- I want to fast for Peace in the world.
- I want to fast for the conversion of sinners.
- I want to fast to be able to see Jesus in all around me.
- I want to fast to be able to understand the value of Heavenly
bread.
Grant me the grace that through fasting, my desire for you will
grow and that my heart may long for you. Grant me the grace
that through fasting I will become humble and willing to do Your
will.
Cleanse me, dear Father, of my selfishness. Cleanse me of my
bad habitsand let Your virtues increase in me. Let the
depths of my soul open to your grace through this fast today, so
that you will totally affect me and cleanse me.
Help me to be like your Son in resisting every trial and
temptation.
Dear Mary,
Obtain by prayer the grace of a joyful fast for us today.
Obtain by prayer the grace for me that my decision to fast may be
firm and lasting.
We offer, for all people, the
difficulties and the hunger that that we are going to feel today.
Mary, pray for us. Let every evil and temptation keep away
from us today through your intercession and through the
power of your intercession and protection.
Teach us Mary, to fast and to pray that day after day, we may
become more and more like you and your Son, Jesus Christ, in the
Holy Spirit.
Amen. |
