Have you ever noticed what word always accompanies the word “fasting” in the scriptures?
And have you ever wondered what the difference is between fasting and not eating?
“Continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end. . . .” (Omni 1:26)
The answer to both of those questions is:
Prayer.
“Fasting without prayer is just going hungry for 24 hours.” – Elder Carl B. Pratt
If you’ve ever struggled with fasting, you are not alone.
I have conversations with people about this all the time.
Going without food is tough.
But here’s what I’ve learned as I’ve studied this principle:
Fasting is meant to help us develop spiritual strength and humility.
Spiritual strength. And humility.
It’s a symbolic and literal manifestation of our desperate desire to commune with God.
It shows our seriousness in requesting specific blessings.
But blessings require some work on our part.
Fasting and prayer are two of the most humble and sincere forms of work we can do for our Father in Heaven.
My fasting experience has improved as I’ve focused on communing with God.
And I’ve learned it’s okay to feel pain. To have that headache. To realize just how fragile I am without literally a small amount of food.
It’s good for me to humble myself.
And when I couple fasting with prayer, I slowly build my spiritual strength.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
4 Responses
Thank you for your post on the importance of prayer with fasting. I have found lately that many, many people say they can’t fast because of health concerns or medications they are taking, etc. While those are valid reasons to not alter your food, I strongly believe you can have a very effective fast even without going completely without food for 24 hours.
A fast can be just the minimal of what the person actually NEEDS to eat in order to not get sick. I’ve seen members pass out candy or other snacks before Sacrament meeting and after because they and the ones they give food to “can’t fast”.
I believe fasting is much more than not eating. It is deep, sincere prayer before and throughout the fast, accompanied with keeping any necessary food intake to the very minimum. Fasting is bearing your testimony and most of all, fasting is keeping your heart and mind focused more than ever on the Savior and all He has done for us. It is keeping our hearts full of gratitude to our Father in Heaven.
tAs you said, it is SO MUCH MORE than just not eating!
I have always thought that the ultimate form of fasting is to spend time in prayer during the times you would normally prepare or eat food. I feel like this demonstrates to our Heavenly Father, that we would rather talk to him and seek answers to our issues than eat.
As I read this is I thought about the many times we have had friends or family ask us to participate in a fast and vice versa. We also say “please pray for so and so or such and such”. But I don’t know that we have said, “join us in fasting AND prayer!” I wonder how being more specific in the request would change the game for everyone involved to emphasize frequent prayer in the fasting hours? Your thoughts help me as a leader, too, as I counsel with others. Thank you!
I love that! The power comes from both fasting AND prayer together. Thanks for sharing!