2007 Lent & Bishop's Fast

2007 Lenten Season

Lent (Old English: lencten, the spring season) which begins on Ash Wednesday, is a 40-day period before Easter excluding Sundays, February 21 through April 7. Lent is a period of soul-searching, self-sacrifice and repentance. In penitence and contrition, we bring before God the brokenness and evil in our lives, asking for God’s forgiveness and healing.

It is a season for reflection, as a preparatory time for Easter. It is sometimes observed as a time of penitence and sacrifice. It is facing sin and evil. It is about being redeemed and being reshaped by our gracious God for good.

All ages are encouraged to look inward and begin the journey that identifies us with the suffering of the Messiah. It is a symbolic reminder of the 40 days in the desert during the Exodus of God’s people from Egypt to the Promised Land, and the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness before He began His ministry.

The Lenten Season is especially a season of prayer, fasting, confession and intense worship. Members are encouraged to participate in the Bishop’s Fast, which began Wednesday, February 21. The Lent Fast is not a diet, but denial (denying ourselves) and discipline.

WEIGHT ON THE LORD

by Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr. (Approved by Dr. Debra Carter Miller & CHO)

He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Bishop’s Fast

NOSweets – candy, doughnuts, pies, cakes, sweet rolls, etc.

NOAdded sugar (refined) and watch labels to stay under 25 grams per day

NOAdded table salt (watch labels for excessive sodium..limit of 1500 grams per day)

NOSoda pop, ice cream, yogurt, etc.

NOCaffeinated coffee; only decaf and no sugar

NO Breads (white) or white flour products including pasta (breadless sandwiches allowed)

NOCereal except those that contain at least 4 grams of fiber (fiber supplements are great)

NOFull meal after 7:00 p.m. (substitute salad, snack or fruit)

YES30 minutes of prayer and devotion per day

YES8 glasses of water per day instead of soft drinks

YESOnly one glass of fruit juice per day; one glass of prune juice per week

YESFruit snacks

YES30 minutes of exercise (walking, jogging, and stretching, etc.)

-Use the stairs instead of the elevator when possible

-Park farther rather than nearer where safe

When you crave, cry out:

“God this is for you – build me up in your Word, and teach me to do Your Will and not pout.” “...Build my church inside and out.” “...His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

Bishop’s Feast

YESEat whatever else you want in a balance of fish, chicken, lean meats, fruits

and vegetables, but less of it… (instead of two (2) pieces of chicken, try one, etc.)

YESSnack on fruit or veggies

YES3 servings of vegetables/fruit each day

Consult the Great Physician before starting any program.

Check your weight, glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure before you begin and then at Easter … and see the difference!

CAUTION: If you have any physical or dietary restrictions, do consult your doctor before starting this program.