Ash Wednesday—"Litany of Fasting and Feasting"

Today is "Ash Wednesday" that marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. We invite you to pray and reflect on the following Litany:

Litany of Fasting and Feasting

Fast from judging others
Fast from emphasis on our differences
Fast from words that pollute
Fast from discontent
Fast from anger
Fast from idle gossip
Fast from pessimism
Fast from worry
Fast from thoughts of illness
Fast from complaining
Fast from negatives
Fast from personal anxiety
Fast from hostility
Fast from bitterness
Fast from self-concern
Fast from discouragement
Fast from lethargy
Fast from suspicion
Fast from thoughts that weaken
Fast from thoughts that overwhelm
Fast from disbelief
Fast from the darkness of sin

Feast on the Christ within them
Feast on the Spirit who unites
Feast on phrases that purify
Feast on gratitude
Feast on patience
Feast on purposeful silence
Feast on optimism
Feast on trust
Feast on God's healing power
Feast on appreciation
Feast on affirmatives
Feast on unceasing prayer
Feast on nonviolence
Feast on forgiveness
Feast on compassion for others
Feast on hope
Feast on enthusiasm
Feast on truth
Feast on promises that inspire
Feast on prayer that sustains
Feast on faith
Feast on the light of Christ

Source: attributed to William Arthur Ward, 1921-1994, as modified