The Law of the Fast

Close your eyes and bring your attention to your body. Whether you are sitting, standing, or laying down, make sure your body feels relaxed and supported. Relax the muscles in your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. 

Take a few deep breaths. As you breathe in, imagine drawing peace, calm, humility, and openness into your body and mind. As you breathe out, imagine expelling tension, negativity, pride, and stress from your body and mind. 

In this state of calm and receptiveness, take a moment to say a short prayer that your mind will be guided to any revelation the Lord has for you today as you ponder. 

As your breathing returns to normal, turn your thoughts and attention to the principle of fasting. As I share teachings about fasting, allow your thoughts and the Spirit to guide you. Don’t worry about focusing on every quote or question I share.

What is your attitude about fasting? What is your experience with it? Do you fast regularly? Do you fast when you need extra help? Why do you fast?

What is Fasting?

The bible dictionary teaches that “Fasting, [which is] a voluntary abstinence from food, is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ for developing spiritual strength;” (Bible Dictionary, “Fasts.”) This principle is often referred to as a law: “the law of the fast”. The Handbook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says this about fasting:

The Lord has established the law of the fast to bless His people and to provide a way for them to serve those in need. Members grow closer to the Lord and increase in spiritual strength as they live the law of the fast. They also strengthen their own self-reliance and develop greater compassion. (See Isaiah 58:6–12; Malachi 3:8–12.)

Fasting may be done at any time. However, members usually observe the first Sabbath of the month as a fast day. A fast day typically includes the following:

·      Praying

·      Going without food and drink for a 24-hour period (if physically able)[, and]

·      Giving a generous fast offering

(Church Handbook, 22.2.2 The Law of the Fast and Fast Offerings.)

Let’s ponder these three aspects of the law of the fast.

Prayer

First, prayer. Joseph B. Wirthlin said this about prayer in connection with fasting: 

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. 

(Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73.)

Do you typically think of fasting in conjunction with prayer? Are your prayers any different when you are fasting? Do you take time for communion with your Heavenly Father? How can you better include prayer in your fasting?

Fasting

The second aspect of a fast day is the fast itself—" Going without food and drink for a 24-hour period (if physically able).” (Church Handbook, 22.2.2 The Law of the Fast and Fast Offerings.) 

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord uses the words “joy” and “rejoicing” in place of fasting. He says: “And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full. Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.” D&C 59:13-14 

What connections are there between fasting and joy or rejoicing in general? What connections are there for you, personally?

In the D&C verses I just read, the footnote on the word “fasting” says “i.e. hungering and thirsting after righteousness,” and it references Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6.) 

What does it mean to hunger and thirst after righteousness? Do you think it is connected to fasting?

Isaiah chapter 58, verses 6-12 is often referenced when fasting is brought up. As I read these verses, take note of anything that stands out to you and spend a few moments pondering it:

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 rearward.

9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light [shine in darkness], and thy darkness be as the noonday:

11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and [strengthen] thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

(Isaiah 58:6–12 (see footnotes 10b and 11c).)

As Isaiah promises in those verses, fasting is a commandment that, when we obey it, allows Heavenly Father to bless us in ways He otherwise might not. Elder Wirthlin listed several of these blessings in a 2001 General Conference talk. He said: “Fasting in the proper spirit and in the Lord’s way will energize us spiritually, strengthen our self-discipline, fill our homes with peace, lighten our hearts with joy, fortify us against temptation, prepare us for times of adversity, and open the windows of heaven.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 75.) 

Let’s spend a few moments pondering some of those blessings.

Increased Spiritual Power

We’ll start with the promise of increased spiritual power.

In the New Testament, Matthew tells of a man who approaches Jesus and asks Him to cure the man’s son. We find out that Christ’s disciples had tried to cast an evil spirit out of the boy, but they were unsuccessful. Jesus heals the boy, and His disciples ask Him, “Why could not we cast him out?” Jesus answers, “this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (See Matthew 17:14-21.) 

Are there any issues or questions or struggles in your life that perhaps can only be resolved through prayer and fasting?

President Ezra Taft Benson promised that “Fasting for specific strength or special blessings can strengthen us beyond our normal ability.” (Teachings: Ezra Taft Benson, 224–25.)

The Book of Mormon records similar blessings among believers who managed to stay firm in the faith while surrounded by great difficulty. How did they do it? They “did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation” (Helaman 3:35).

How difficult do you find it to remain firm in your faith? What kind of situations test your commitment or cause you to doubt or falter? How could fasting help? 

What connection is there between humility and firm faith? How do you think fasting increases humility and solidifies faith? 

Joseph B. Wirthlin said that:

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. . . . Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power. Testimonies grow. We mature spiritually and emotionally and sanctify our souls. 

(Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73.) 

How could you benefit from increased strength against temptation? How could you benefit from increased courage and confidence?

Discipline and Self-Control

Another blessing Elder Wirthlin highlighted was increased discipline and self-control. He said that fasting “can strengthen our character and build self-restraint and discipline. . . . Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73.) 

L. Tom Perry, quoting Plato, similarly explained that “Fasting is [] one of the finest ways of developing our own discipline and self-control. Plato said, ‘The first and the best victory is to conquer self; to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most shameful and vile.’” (L. Tom Perry, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 1986, 31 (quoting Plato, Laws, Book I, section 626E).)

How is your discipline? How is your self-control? What areas of your life could benefit from greater self-discipline or increased self-control? 

Revelation

Another promised blessing of fasting is personal revelation. The Book of Mormon tells of Alma and the sons of Mosiah who received increased revelation in response to their fasting. It reads:

“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. . . . And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth”. (Alma 17:3, 9)

How could you benefit from increased access to the spirit of prophecy? What about the spirit of revelation?

Magnify Callings

Like Alma and his fellow missionaries, we too can use fasting to help us magnify our callings. As Elder Wirthlin explained, “Fasting and prayer can help us in our families and in our daily work. They can help us magnify our callings in the Church. President Ezra Taft Benson taught: ‘If you want to get the spirit of your office and calling . . .try fasting for a period. . . . I mean really fasting, and praying during that period. It will do more to give you the real spirit of your office and calling and permit the Spirit to operate through you than anything I know.’” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73 (quoting Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson (1988), 331–32).) 

Think about the callings you hold, whether temporary church callings or perpetual callings related to your family or social situation. Do you feel you have the “real spirit of your office and calling”? How well do you feel the Spirit is able to operate through you in that calling? Could fasting help? 

Empathy for Needy

A lesser-discussed reason for fasting is developing empathy for those in need. Elder Wirthlin explains that“When we fast, . . . we feel hunger. And for a short time, we literally put ourselves in the position of the hungry and the needy. As we do so, we have greater understanding of the deprivations they might feel.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 74 (quoting Mosiah 4:26 ).)

How often do you consider the relationship between fasting and helping those in need? Does understanding this aspect of the Law of the Fast change your attitude about or your approach to fasting?  

Fast Offerings

This leads us to the third aspect of a fast day, which is fast offerings. “A fast offering is a donation to help those in need.” (Church Handbook, 22.2.2 The Law of the Fast and Fast Offerings.)

A common scriptural reference for tithes and offerings comes from Malachi chapter 3. As I read these verses, note anything that stands out to you and spend a few moments pondering it: 

8 ¶ Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

(Malachi 3:8–12.)

Elder Wirthlin warned that “If, while we have the means to do so, we do not have compassion for [those in need] and spring to their aid, we are in danger of being among those the prophet Moroni spoke of when he said, “Behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel … more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 74 (quoting Moroni 8:37 ).)

Do you ever feel that you love money and things more than the poor and needy, the sick and afflicted? What light do your habits and actions shed on this question? Is there anything you are prompted to do differently?

Elder Wirthlin highlighted a connection between helping those in need and receiving help ourselves from the Lord. He taught that “[the] Book of Mormon prophet, Amulek, explained that often our prayers have no power because we have turned our backs on the needy.” Elder Wirthlin then gave a challenge: “If you feel that Heavenly Father is not listening to your petitions, ask yourself if you are listening to the cries of the poor, the sick, the hungry, and the afflicted all around you.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 74 (referencing Alma 34:28 ).)

Remission of Our Sins

Elder Wirthlin also connected helping those in need with our access to the atonement. He said: “When we give to the bishop an offering to relieve the suffering of others, we not only do something sublime for others, but we do something wonderful for ourselves as well. King Benjamin taught that as we give of our substance to the poor, we retain ‘a remission of [our] sins from day to day.’” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 74 (quoting Mosiah 4:26).)

How Much?

How much are we asked to donate for our fast offering? The Church handbook explains that “When members fast, they are invited to give an offering that is at least equal to the value of the meals not eaten. Members are encouraged to be generous and give more than the value of these meals if they can.” (Church Handbook, 22.2.2 The Law of the Fast and Fast Offerings.)

Marion G. Romney once declared that he was “a firm believer that you cannot give to the Church and to the building up of the kingdom of God and be any poorer financially.” He explained: “I remember a long time ago, over 50 years, when Brother [Melvin J.] Ballard laid his hands on my head and set me apart to go on a mission. He said in that prayer of blessing that a person could not give a crust to the Lord without receiving a loaf in return. That’s been my experience. If the members of the Church would double their fast-offering contributions, the spirituality in the Church would double. We need to keep that in mind and be liberal in our contributions.” ((L. Tom Perry, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 1986, 31 (quoting Marion G. Romney, Welfare Agricultural Meeting, 3 Apr. 1971, p. 1).) 

Have you ever experienced Christ returning a loaf for a crust (in a financial or other context)? 

 Marion G. Romney also once said this about how much to give as a fast offering: “Give enough so that you can give yourself into the kingdom of God through consecrating of your means and your time.” (Marion G. Romney, “The Blessings of the Fast,” Ensign, July 1982, 4.)

Evaluate your own fast offering. No matter the amount, do you feel that it represents your willingness to consecrate and sacrifice, as you promise to do if you’ve made temple covenants, and to help the poor and needy, as you promise to do if you’ve made baptismal covenants? What is your attitude surrounding fast offerings? Does reframing it as a covenant-keeping exercise change your approach? Are you prompted to do anything differently than you are doing right now?

When we first started this meditation on the law of the fast, I asked you to ponder your attitude and testimony of fasting. How do you feel about it now? Did anything from the quotes and scriptures I have shared stand out to you? Consider asking the Lord at some point if your observation of the Law of the Fast is acceptable to Him. 

When you are ready, take a final deep breath and slowly turn your awareness back to your body. As you open your eyes and return to your surroundings, take a moment to jot down any thoughts, promptings, or questions that came to mind while you were pondering. And, if necessary, make a plan to act on those things.