The Belly! Needs Rest Poem by Michael P. Johnson

“Deny yourself and follow me - Mt.16: 24
Repent from wayward sin… -Pr.23: 20-21
Oft fasting prayer I’ll set you free… -MK.9: 29
From all your filth within” -Mk…9: 26

We fast and pray we seek God’s face
We ask what we should do
That God in turn may show His grace
If when our walk is true

To seek God’s treasures hidden deep
For strength to pass life’s test
The belly first has need of sleep
Our organs need to rest

To fast; means not to eat at all
Though water each may share
On God alone we need to call
Devoting all in prayer

No time is set no special date
For hearts to seek the Lord
But when we do we need to wait
For Jesus’ just reward

But from His holy flesh to eat
Christ’s blood alone to drink
Not one will die nor find defeat
As some would have us think

Man’s spirit grows at Jesus’ feet
We fast to understand
Denying self of daily meat
Brings healing to our land

Where greatest doctors fail to cope
When every dye is cast
In Jesus Christ, there’s always hope
For those who pray and fast.