Gospel Principles
Unit 7: Perfecting Our Lives
Chapter 25: Fasting
Concept 1: Introduction, How to Fast Properly
"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 (Luke 4:1-4 "1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That manshall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."). Through Latter-day revelation we learn that the Lord'still expects his people to fast and pray often (D&C 88:76 "Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayerand fasting from this time forth.").
Discussion
D&C 88:76Why is fasting given as a commandment?
How to Fast Properly
Fasting means to go without food and drink (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 243). Occasional fasting is good for our bodies and helps our minds become more active (see Principles of the Gospel, p 175).
The Savior taught us that purposeful fasting is more than just going with out food and drink. We must also concentrate on spiritual matters.
We Should Pray When We Fast
Prayer is a necessary part of fasting. Throughout the Scriptures , prayer and fasting are mentioned together. Our fasting should be accompanied by sincere prayer, and we should begin and end our fasting with prayer."