God of Truth, who knows the thoughts and intentions of all our hearts, reveal to us the true desires and motivations that lead us, so that we might be honest with you and with ourselves and discipline ourselves, not to gain things that are selfish and passing, but to become holy and more able to love as you do, through Jesus your Son, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Matthew R Green
PhD