218. Fasting produces spiritual strength.
219. Monthly fasting should be coupled with a desire to bless our fellow beings.
220. One purpose of the monthly fast is to benefit the poor.
221. We are to fast using wisdom and discretion.
222. Fasting is to be coupled with prayer and meditation.
217. Church members are to fast for two consecutive meals on fast day (usually the first Sunday of each month).
When fasting, members of the Church are advised to abstain from two meals each Fast Day and to contribute as a donation the amount saved thereby for the support of the worthy poor. . . . (Published statement from the First Presidency of the Church, March 26, 1932) MOFP5:307
Each member is asked to fast for two meals on the first Sunday in each month, and to give as a wholly voluntary contribution, the equivalent of these meals, which is used for the support of the poor. (Published statement from the First Presidency of the Church, June 20, 1939) MOFP6:72
Most Latter-day Saints, I think, understand the doing without two meals in connection with the monthly fast and giving the cash equivalent to the bishop as fast offerings, but I am wondering along with our fasting do we gather our families together and pray with them that they may enjoy the blessings of the Lord? CR1951Oct:123
I believe that in many ways, here and now in mortality, we can begin to perfect ourselves. A certain degree of perfection is attainable in this life. I believe that we can be one hundred percent perfect, for instance, in abstaining from the use of tea and coffee. We can be one hundred percent perfect in abstaining from liquor and tobacco. We can be one hundred percent perfect in paying a full and honest tithing. We can be one hundred percent perfect in abstaining from eating two meals on fast day and giving to the bishop as fast offering the value of those two meals from which we abstain. CR1950Apr:153
The regularly constituted fast consists of abstinence from food once each month, that is, it means missing two meals on the first Sunday of each month. The value of those two meals given as voluntary donation for the relief of those who are hungry or otherwise in distress constitutes the fast offering. Think what the sincere observance of this rule would mean spiritually if every man, woman, and child were to observe the fast and contribute the resultant offering, with the sincere desire of blessing the less fortunate brother or sister or sorrowing child
It is God's way. You say people don't like charity? Why, it should not be administered as charity; but as a co-operative plan of mutual service adopted for the benefit of all. ("On Fasting," IE1963Mar:156-57) TLDP:198
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members are encouraged to fast whenever their faith needs special fortification and to fast regularly once each month on fast day. On that day, we go without eating or drinking for two consecutive meals, commune with our Heavenly Father, and contribute a fast offering to help the poor. (CR 2001Apr; The Law of the Fast, Ensign, May 2001, p.73)
Related Witnesses:
Let me promise you here today that if the Latter-day Saints will honestly and conscientiously from this day forth, as a people, keep the monthly fast and pay into the hands of their bishops the actual amount that they would have spent for food for the two meals from which they have refrained; and if in addition to that they will pay their honest tithing, it will solve all of the problems in connection with taking care of the Latter-day Saints. We would have all the money necessary to take care of all the idle and all the poor.
Every living soul among the Latter-day Saints that fasts two meals once a month will be benefited spiritually and be built up in the faith of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ—benefited spiritually in a wonderful way—and sufficient means will be in the hands of the bishops to take care of all the poor. (Church News, 1932, Gospel Standards, p. 123) TLDP:199
Our difficulty is that we have not all used the Lord's plan as we should. What ought that contribution, our fast offerings, be, to be the equivalent of two meals? I would like to suggest that there isn't anything that this present generation needs so much as the power of self-control; appetite is stronger than will. Men's passions dominate their lives. If there is one thing that we need to recover, it is the power of self-control over the physical body; to deny it good food . . . for two meals, [is to obtain] a mastery over self; and the greatest battle any of us shall ever fight is with self. (Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin J. Ballard, p. 157) TLDP:199
218. Fasting produces spiritual strength.
All the principles related to fasting seem to point to the fact that it produces (1) physical benefits; (2) intellectual activity; and (3) spiritual strength, which is the greatest of all benefits. This fine spiritual strength is derived by the subjection of the physical appetite to the will of the individual. . . .
If there were no other virtue in fasting but gaining strength of character, that alone would be sufficient justification for its universal acceptance. ("On Fasting," IE1963Mar:156) TLDP:199
Periodic fasting can help clear up the mind and strengthen the body and the spirit. . . . To make a fast most fruitful, it should be coupled with prayer and meditation; physical work should be held to a minimum, and it's a blessing if one can ponder on the scriptures and the reason for the fast. CR1974Oct:92
Every living soul among the Latter-day Saints that fasts two meals once a month will be benefited spiritually and be built up in the faith of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ—benefited spiritually in a wonderful way—and sufficient means will be in the hands of the bishops to take care of all the poor. (June 1932, Gospel Standards, p. 123) TLDP:199
When fasting, members of the Church are advised to abstain from two meals each Fast Day . . . also by prayer in connection with fasting to develop spiritual power. No direct instruction is given in the Doctrine and Covenants regarding abstaining from water while fasting. In the Bible there are three references in connection with fasting and abstaining from water. These are: Exodus 34:28 and Deuteronomy 9:9-18where it states that Moses "did neither eat bread nor drink water"; and Esther 4:16where Esther asked the Jews to fast for her and to "neither eat nor drink."
The spirit of fasting is the main thing to encourage. Too much stress should not be laid on technical details, but the self denial of food, striving for spiritual strength and donating for the benefit of the poor should constantly be in mind. (Published statement from the First Presidency of the Church, March 26, 1932) MOFP5:307-08
In all ages the Lord has called upon his people to fast and pray and seek him with all their strength and power. Fasting—the abstaining from food and drink for a designated period—gives a man a sense of his utter dependence upon the Lord so that he is in a better frame of mind to get in tune with the Spirit. Moses and Jesus both fasted for forty days as they sought that oneness with the Father out of which great spiritual strength comes. (The Mortal Messiah, 2:152) TLDP:200
The law of the fast is another test [compared with the Word of Wisdom]. If we merely go without food to supply welfare funds it is much of the letter, but in real fasting, for spiritual blessings, come self-mastery and increased spirituality. CR1951Oct:87
It is evident that the acceptable fast is that which carries with it the true spirit of love for God and man; and that the aim in fasting is to secure perfect purity of heart and simplicity of intention—a fasting unto God in the fullest and deepest sense—for such a fast would be a cure for every practical and intellectual error; vanity would disappear, love for our fellows would take its place, and we would gladly assist the poor and the needy. ("Observance of Fast Day," IE1902Dec:147) TLDP:199
[Observing the law of the fast] would call attention to the sin of overeating, place the body in subjection to the spirit, and so promote communion with the Holy Ghost, and insure a spiritual strength and power which the people of the nation so greatly need. (Gospel Doctrine, pp. 237-38) MPSG1986:115
It seems to me [fasting and prayer] is a source of strength, a source of power, a source of blessing that perhaps as a people we are not using enough; that it does have tremendous spiritual value to those who observe the law, and who apply it faithfully. . . .
The Saints by fasting and praying can sanctify the soul and elevate the spirit to Christlike perfection, and thus the body would be brought into subjection to the spirit, promote communion with the Holy Ghost, and insure spiritual strength and power to the individual.
By observing fasting and prayer in its true spirit, the Latter-day Saints cannot be overpowered by Satan tempting them to evil. CR1951Oct:122-23
The law of the fast has three great purposes. First, it provides assistance to the needy through the contribution of fast offerings, consisting of the value of meals from which we abstain. Second, a fast is beneficial to us physically. Third, it is to increase humility and spirituality on the part of each individual. (CR 1986Apr; The Law of the Fast, Ensign, May 1986, p.31)
Related Witnesses:
. . .Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. 3. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. (Mormon recounts the activities of the spiritually devoted sons of Mosiah ) Alma 17:2-3
quoted by Mormon
. . .Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me. (Alma testifies to the people of the truth of his teachings, about 83 B.C.) Alma 5:46
Our difficulty is that we have not all used the Lord's plan as we should. What ought that contribution, our fast offerings, be, to be the equivalent of two meals? I would like to suggest that there isn't anything that this present generation needs so much as the power of self-control; appetite is stronger than will. Men's passions dominate their lives. If there is one thing that we need to recover, it is the power of self-control over the physical body; to deny it good food that would not be injurious, for two meals, has obtained a mastery over self; and the greatest battle any of us shall ever fight is with self.
I am charged to take possession of this house, this mortal tabernacle, and it is to be my servant. I am not to abuse it but keep it vigorous, clean, healthy, and strong. This exercise of controlling it once a month, that it must fast, is a healthy exercise of spiritual control over the material. If I can do this with regard to food, when this body craves something that is positively hurtful, then I have obtained power to say: "You cannot have it." Thus spiritual control over the body, in all its activities, may be secured, beginning with control over the appetite. (Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin J. Ballard, p. 157) TLDP:199
I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. Psalms 35:13
Failing to fast is a sin. In the 58th chapter of Isaiah, rich promises are made by the Lord to those who fast and assist the needy. . . . Inspiration and spiritual guidance will come with righteousness and closeness to our Heavenly Father. To omit to do this righteous act of fasting would deprive us of these blessings. (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 98) DGSM:34
219. Monthly fasting should be coupled with a desire to bless our fellow beings.
The regularly constituted fast consists of abstinence from food once each month, that is, it means missing two meals on the first Sunday of each month. The value of those two meals given as voluntary donation for the relief of those who are hungry or otherwise in distress constitutes the fast offering. Think what the sincere observance of this rule would mean spiritually if every man, woman, and child were to observe the fast and contribute the resultant offering, with the sincere desire of blessing the less fortunate brother or sister or sorrowing child ("On Fasting," IE1963Mar:156-57) TLDP:198
It is evident that the acceptable fast is that which carries with it the true spirit of love for God and man; and that the aim in fasting is to secure perfect purity of heart and simplicity of intention—a fasting unto God in the fullest and deepest sense—for such a fast would be a cure for every practical and intellectual error; vanity would disappear, love for our fellows would take its place, and we would gladly assist the poor and the needy. ("Observance of Fast Day," IE1902Dec:147) TLDP:199
We must ever remind ourselves and all members of the Church to keep the law of the fast. We often have our individual reasons for fasting. But I hope members won't hesitate to fast to help us lengthen our stride in our missionary effort, to open the way for the gospel to go to the nations where it is not now permitted. It's good for us to fast as well as to pray over specific things and over specific objectives. CR1976Apr:172
Consider for a moment this principle of fasting. It is as old as the human race and undoubtedly when first practiced was related to health. It is generally conceded that most people usually consume more food than the body requires. Overeating clogs the system with deleterious waste products. When such a condition exists a short fast is useful as a means of restoring the body to its normal active state. . . .
Associated with this practice in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the giving of a fast offering, the underlying purpose and far-reaching benefits of which make the monthly observance of fast day one of the most significant features of this latter-day work. Besides the benefits already mentioned there are: First, all the spiritual uplift that comes from a Christ-like desire to serve one's fellowmen; and Second, an economic means which when carried out by a perfect and active organization will supply the needs of every worthy poor person within the confines of the organized branches of the Church. CR1932Apr:64-65
It also seems to me that fasting and prayer can be employed to bless others, and if we would faithfully observe the law, the blessings of our Heavenly Father would collectively be given to the people of the Church. CR1951Oct:122-23
220. One purpose of the monthly fast is to benefit the poor.
Each member should contribute a generous fast offering for the care of the poor and the needy. This offering should at least be the value of the two meals not eaten while fasting.
"Sometimes we have been a bit penurious and figured that we had for breakfast one egg and that cost so many cents and then we give that to the Lord. I think that when we are affluent, as many of us are, that we ought to be very, very generous. . . .
"I think we should . . . give, instead of the amount saved by our two meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more when we are in a position to do it. [CR1974Apr:184]" (President Kimball quotes his prior address) CR1977Oct:126
Fast day being on the Sabbath, it follows, of course, that all labor is to be abstained from. In addition, the leading and principle object of the institution of the fast among the Latter-day Saints, was that the poor might be provided with food and other necessities. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every Latter-day Saint to give to his bishop, on fast day, the food that he or his family would consume for the day, that it may be given to the poor for their benefit and blessing; or, in lieu of the food that its equivalent amount, or if the person be wealthy a liberal donation, in money be so reserved and dedicated to the poor. . . . ("Observance of Fast Day," IE1902Dec:148-49) TLDP:198
The regularly constituted fast consists of abstinence from food once each month, that is, it means missing two meals on the first Sunday of each month. The value of those two meals given as voluntary donation for the relief of those who are hungry or otherwise in distress constitutes the fast offering. Think what the sincere observance of this rule would mean spiritually if every man, woman, and child were to observe the fast and contribute the resultant offering, with the sincere desire of blessing the less fortunate brother or sister or sorrowing child
It is God's way. You say people don't like charity? Why, it should not be administered as charity; but as a co-operative plan of mutual service adopted for the benefit of all. ("On Fasting," IE1963Mar:156-57) TLDP:198
Associated with this practice in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the giving of a fast offering, the underlying purpose and far-reaching benefits of which make the monthly observance of fast day one of the most significant features of this latter-day work. Besides the benefits already mentioned there are: First, all the spiritual uplift that comes from a Christ-like desire to serve one's fellowmen; and Second, an economic means which when carried out by a perfect and active organization will supply the needs of every worthy poor person within the confines of the organized branches of the Church. CR1932Apr:65
Related Witnesses:
Don't give just for the benefit of the poor, but give for your own welfare. Give enough so that you can give yourself into the kingdom of God through consecrating of your means and your time. Pay an honest tithing and a generous fast offering if you want the blessings of heaven. I promise every one of you who will do it that you will increase your own prosperity, both spiritually and temporally. The Lord will reward you according to your deeds. ("The Blessings of the Fast," EN1982Jul:4) TLDP:200
221. We are to fast using wisdom and discretion.
The Lord instituted the fast on a reasonable and intelligent basis, and none of his works are vain or unwise. His law is perfect in this as in other things. Hence, those who can, are required to comply thereto; it is a duty from which they cannot escape; but let it be remembered that the observance of the fast day by abstaining twenty-four hours from food or drink is not an absolute rule, it is no iron-clad law to us, but is left with the people as a matter of conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion. Many are subject in weakness, others are delicate in health, and others have nursing babes; of such it should not be required to fast. Neither should parents compel their little children to fast. I have known children to cry for something to eat on fast day. In such cases, going without food will do them no good. Instead, they dread the day to come, and in place of hailing it, dislike it; while the compulsion engenders a spirit of rebellion in them, rather than a love for the Lord and their fellows. Better to teach them the principle, and let them observe it when they are old enough to choose intelligently, than to so compel them.
But those should fast who can, and all classes among us should be taught to save the meals which they would eat, or their equivalent, for the poor. ("Observance of Fast Day," IE1902Dec:148-49) TLDP:198
I say to my brethren, when they are fasting, and praying for the sick, and for those that need faith and prayer, do not go beyond what is wise and prudent in fasting and prayer. The Lord can hear a simple prayer, offered in faith, in half a dozen words, and he will recognize fasting that may not continue more than twenty-four hours, just as readily and as effectually as He will answer a prayer of a thousand words and fasting for a month. CR1912Oct:122-34
The Church urges all to observe the monthly fasts, and advises that fasts at other times be engaged in wisely, with due respect to the conditions and needs of the body. PCG:377
Periodic fasting can help clear up the mind and strengthen the body and the spirit. The usual fast, the one we are asked to participate in for fast Sunday, is for 24 hours without food or drink. Some people feeling the need, have gone on longer fasts of abstaining from food but have taken the needed liquids. Wisdom should be used, and the fast should be broken with light eating. To make a fast most fruitful, it should be coupled with prayer and meditation; physical work should be held to a minimum, and it's a blessing if one can ponder on the scriptures and the reason for the fast. CR1974Oct:92
222. Fasting is to be coupled with prayer and meditation.
To make a fast most fruitful, it should be coupled with prayer and meditation; physical work should be held to a minimum, and it's a blessing if one can ponder on the scriptures and the reason for the fast. CR1974Oct:92
The monthly fast should always be accompanied with prayer. It is well to call the household together on the day of fasting, to thank the Lord for blessings received and to supplicate by the members of the family. Individuals frequently undertake fasts when in special need of heavenly help. The Church urges all to observe the monthly fasts, and advises that fasts at other times be engaged in wisely, with due respect to the conditions and needs of the body. PCG:377
Fasting we may well assume is a religious custom that has come down from the beginning of time, and [is] always associated with prayer. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 1:88) TLDP:197
I say to my brethren, when they are fasting, and praying for the sick, and for those that need faith and prayer, do not go beyond what is wise and prudent in fasting and prayer. The Lord can hear a simple prayer, offered in faith, in half a dozen words, and he will recognize fasting that may not continue more than twenty-four hours, just as readily and as effectually as He will answer a prayer of a thousand words and fasting for a month. CR1912Oct:133-34
The Saints by fasting and praying can sanctify the soul and elevate the spirit to Christlike perfection, and thus the body would be brought into subjection to the spirit, promote communion with the Holy Ghost, and insure spiritual strength and power to the individual.
By observing fasting and prayer in its true spirit, the Latter-day Saints cannot be overpowered by Satan tempting them to evil. CR1951Oct:122-23
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. (CR 2001Apr; The Law of the Fast, Ensign, May 2001, p.73)
Related Witnesses:
Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God. (Alma sets the Church in Zarahemla in order, about 83 B.C.) Alma 6:6
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7. Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
9. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer. . . . (The Lord commands Isaiah to teach the people in fasting to serve the needy, thereby to be able to pray to the Lord and receive answers) Isaiah 58:6-9
quoted by Mormon
Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me. (Alma testifies to the people of the truth of his teachings, about 83 B.C.) Alma 5:46
But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. (Mormon recounts the activities of the spiritually devoted sons of Mosiah ) Alma 17:3
And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.
23. And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort: (After an angel appeared to Alma, the younger, he became dumb and physically helpless, 100-92 B.C.) Mosiah 27:22-23
