He has flung me into the mud, and I have come to resemble dust and ashes.

Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes!

Then Abraham asked, “Since I have undertaken to speak to the Lord (although I am but dust and ashes),

So I turned my attention to the Lord God to implore him by prayer and requests, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

Now when Mordecai became aware of all that had been done, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes. He went out into the city, crying out in a loud and bitter voice.

Throughout each and every province where the king’s edict and law were announced there was considerable mourning among the Jews, along with fasting, weeping, and sorrow. Sackcloth and ashes were characteristic of many.

Is this really the kind of fasting I want? Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, bowing their heads like a reed and stretching out on sackcloth and ashes? Is this really what you call a fast, a day that is pleasing to the Lord?