Fasting, a Principle of the Gospel

     "Since the time of Adam, God’s people have fasted to help them draw near to Him and to worship Him. Jesus showed the importance of fasting by His own example (see Luke 4:1–4)... The Savior taught us that purposeful fasting is more than just going without food and drink. We must also concentrate on spiritual matters." Gospel Principles chapter 25.

     The Lord states in Isaiah, “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?” (Isaiah 58:6).

     I have a testimony of fasting.  I have had the bands of wickedness loosened, had heavy burdens lifted, been empowered to break that which I have been yoked with and set free.  How has this happened?  How did I gain this testimony?

     This is what I’ve learned through several decades of fasting.  First, fast with a purpose.  Second, prepare in advance of the fast if possible.  Third, pray earnestly.  Fourth, endure well the fast with gratitude and service.

     Fasting without a purpose is simply the act of going hungry.  Purposes can be as simple as expressing thanks for what we’ve been given or as difficult as pleading for a remission of sins.  I have fasted for myself, family, friends, and those affected by disasters throughout the world.  I have fasted as various situations unfolded.  I also strive to fast at least once a month, and I prayerfully consider my purpose leading-up to the time of fasting.

     I not only prepare by having a purpose, but I try to assure that I have at least 24 hours in which I can commit my time and energy to fasting.  I try not to have physically exhausting work planned that might necessitate hydration or other sustenance.  I do not schedule myself to attend certain social events that would distract from my fasting.  I plan going without food and drink for a minimum of two meals.  F­­or example if I am fasting from 5 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday, then I would schedule my evening meal on Saturday prior to the time I start my fast and schedule my only meal on Sunday after the time I finish my fast.  This ­­­enables me to miss breakfast and lunch on Sunday while enjoying a full 24 hour fast.  Prayerful preparation is essential to fasting. 

     Prayer is how we commune with God.  I start and end my fast with a prayer and strive to be drawn-out in prayer throughout my fast.  I focus on the reason I am fasting and pray for insights and answers.  I listen to uplifting music, sing, study the scriptures, and serve others.  I sincerely desire that the bands of wickedness be loosened, that heavy burdens be lifted, that I be empowered to break that with which I have been yoked with and to be set free.  I have overcome addictions, received personal revelation, and been given strength to do what is right. 

     I have received peace and comfort during trials, had extreme burdens lifted, and had loved ones given protection.  One example happened in 1991 while attending school.  The safety of my family was in jeopardy.  I knew we had to move from the apartment that we were in, but I did not have the finances to pay for another place.  I started fasting at the beginning of the weekend.  By late Monday afternoon, after a full day of school, I knelt down to finish my fast without any clear answer or insight of what I should do.  I told Father that I knew I should not go into debt, but I could see no other solution to our problem.  When I arrived home, there was a message to call a real estate agent. 

     I had forgotten that I had put in a bid on a house that was being auctioned-off several months earlier.  I wasn’t even sure why I bid on the house, because I only bid what I knew I could afford to pay for a mortgage -- the same amount I was paying for rent on a very meager apartment in a very poor section of the city.  The winning bid was twice what I bid, and there were several other bids higher than mine.  The Real Estate agent told me the couple who had won the bid had come-in to the closing earlier that day and said they no longer wanted the house.  This was after they had paid all the various fees required prior to closing.  The Real Estate agent said they forfeited all the money and left his office.  He then started calling the bidders on the list in order from the highest bidder on down and could not find one correct phone number until he got down to my name on the list.  He asked if I still wanted the house for my original bid.  I explained to him our situation and told him he was an answer to our prayers.  I explained that we needed to vacate our apartment that evening.  He gave me the combination to the lock which had the keys to the house and we moved in that evening.

     As I look back on this incredible story, I now see how impossible it all sounds.  But I lived it, I endured it, and I know it’s true.  Enduring well is a key to fasting.  It helps me to remember, “… there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.” (2 Nephi 2:14).  I strive to have an attitude of gratitude for all that I have.  When I feel hungry, I pray again about the purpose of my fast.  Studying the scriptures gives me new insights.  Serving others helps me to be more Christ-like.

     In the above example, the real estate agent was an angel divinely guided to help me and my family in our time of need.  We too can be Christ’s servants by helping others with their needs.  We can feed the hungry, give drink to those who thirst, assist strangers, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and those who are in prison or otherwise inflicted (see Matthew 25).  My fasting rarely lasts more than 24 hours, but occasionally I feel inspired to continue longer.  I am grateful for the principle of fasting.  Through fasting we can be blessed as we bless the lives of others!

Link to a second witness about fasting: http://lds.org/ensign/2009/04/fasting-with-power?lang=eng