As another fast Sunday approaches it is time to think of the reasons that we fast. We know that every able member of the church has been commanded to fast the first Sunday of each month, and to donate a fast offering equal to the amount of the meals skipped. This money goes directly to helping the poor. Unless there is a looming crisis I often find it difficult to have a specific topic to fast on. Yet fasting without a purpose in mind is simply going hungry. In his talk “The Blessings of a Proper Fast” Elder Carl B Pratt said:
“The purpose of our fast may be a very personal one. Fasting can help us overcome personal flaws and sins. It can help us overcome our weaknesses—help them become strengths. Fasting can help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish, and more concerned about the needs of others. It can help us see more clearly our own mistakes and weaknesses and help us be less prone to criticize others. Or our fast may have a focus on a family challenge. A family fast might help increase love and appreciation among family members and reduce the amount of contention in the family, or we might fast as a couple to strengthen our marriage bonds. A purpose of our fast as priesthood holders might be to seek the Lord’s guidance in our callings, as President Hinckley has demonstrated, or we might fast with our home teaching companion to know how to help one of our families.”
The manner in which we fast is important as well. It is not appropriate to focus on the hunger that you are feeling. You should take the time to pray and read your scriptures. When you are fasting you are drawing closer to the Lord. You can better understand spiritual principles. In his talk “The Law of the Fast” Elder Joseph B Wirthlin said:
“We observe that in the scriptures, fasting almost always is linked with prayer. Without prayer, fasting is not complete fasting; it’s simply going hungry. If we want our fasting to be more than just going without eating, we must lift our hearts, our minds, and our voices in communion with our Heavenly Father. Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful. It can fill our minds with the revelations of the Spirit. It can strengthen us against times of temptation.
“Fasting and prayer can help develop within us courage and confidence. It can strengthen our character and build self-restraint and discipline. Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power. Testimonies grow. We mature spiritually and emotionally and sanctify our souls. Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions.”
Fasting is a privilege. It is a time when we can take the opportunity to willingly draw closer to the Lord. It should be done every month unless you are medically unable to do so. If you cannot fast for medical reasons such as pregnancy or diabetes, you can still approach fast day as a special day. You may pray with a specific topic in mind. You may refrain from eating sweets during the time of fasting or limiting you meal intake to just what is necessary. The Lord will know the spirit of your heart and bless you for what you can do.
How has fasting blessed your life? What have you done to make fasting more meaningful to you?