Day 27 · The Nativity Fast
A New Heart
“I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”Ezekiel 36:26
Reflection
Through Ezekiel, God promised to do what we cannot do for ourselves: take away the heart of stone, give a heart of flesh, and put his own Spirit within us. We are well past the middle of the Fast. If it has gone badly, if you have broken your fast or let your prayer slip, this is your verse. God does not ask us to manufacture a new heart. He offers to give one. Our part is to keep turning toward him, and, if we can, to make our confession before the feast.
A prayer
Lord, I cannot make myself new. Take my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh. Put your Spirit within me, and help me to begin again today, without despair. Amen.
Carry this with you
If this Fast has been harder than you hoped, what is one small way to begin again?