Its a public holiday today in the Republic of Zambia. Its a national day of Prayer and Fasting. Although  I often do pray and fast, on this day I always choose to eat because of Isaiah 58.

Isaiah Chapter 58 – The Kind of Fasting God wants

3 … The LORD says to them, The truth is that at the same time as you fast, you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers.

4 Your fasting makes you violent, and you quarrel and fight. Do you think this kind of fasting will make me listen to your prayers?

5 When you fast, you make yourselves suffer; you bow your heads low like a blade of grass, and spread out sackcloth and ashes to lie on. Is that what you call fasting? Do you think I will be pleased with that?

6 The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free.

7 Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.

8 Then my favour will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side.

9 When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond.

(Emphasis mine, Good News Bible)