Northumbria Community

THE FAST
Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
to loose the bonds of wickedness?
to undo the heavy burden?
and to let the oppressed go free?
that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry?
that you bring to your house those who are cast down?
when you see the naked person that you cover them?
and not hide yourself from your own flesh and blood?

Then shall your light break forth as the morning;
healing shall spring forth speedily;
and your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard.

Then you will call; and the Lord will answer.
You shall cry, and He will say,
'Here I am.'
Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
to loose the bonds of wickedness?
to undo the heavy burden?
and to let the oppressed go free?
that you break every yoke?
And if you extend your soul to the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted soul,
then shall your light dawn in obscurity
and your darkness shall be as the noonday.

Then shall your light break forth as the morning;
healing shall spring forth speedily;
and your righteousness will go before you;
the glory of the Lord will be your rearguard.

Then you will call; and the Lord will answer.
You will cry, and He will say,
'Here I am.'
You will cry, and He will say,
'Here I am.'

The Lord will guide you always;
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land.
The Lord will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called
Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Adapted from Isaiah 58:6-12