WEEK # 39
FASTING
"Compliance with the law of the fast would call attention to the sin of over-eating, 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. As fasting should always be accompanied by prayer, this law would bring the people nearer to God, and divert their minds once a month at least, from the mad rush of worldly affairs and cause them to be brought into immediate contact with practical, pure, and undefiled religion" (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, pp. 237-38).
"Fasting, with prayer as its companion, is designed to increase spirituality; to foster a spirit of devotion and love of God; to increase faith in the hearts of men, thus assuring divine favor; to encourage humility and contrition of soul; to aid in the acquirement of righteousness; to teach man his nothingness and dependence upon God; and to hasten those who properly comply with the law of fasting along the path to salvation" (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon doctrine, p. 276).
Questions and Activities
FASTING
"Compliance with the law of the fast would call attention to the sin of over-eating, 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. As fasting should always be accompanied by prayer, this law would bring the people nearer to God, and divert their minds once a month at least, from the mad rush of worldly affairs and cause them to be brought into immediate contact with practical, pure, and undefiled religion" (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, pp. 237-38).
"Fasting, with prayer as its companion, is designed to increase spirituality; to foster a spirit of devotion and love of God; to increase faith in the hearts of men, thus assuring divine favor; to encourage humility and contrition of soul; to aid in the acquirement of righteousness; to teach man his nothingness and dependence upon God; and to hasten those who properly comply with the law of fasting along the path to salvation" (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon doctrine, p. 276).
Questions and Activities
- Describe a fast that would be acceptable to the Lord.
- Why has the Lord commanded us to fast? to pay fast offerings?
- What has been promised to those who obey the law of the fast?
- In what ways does fasting increase our spiritual powers? our self-control?
- What are some of the blessings that can come into your life through giving a generous fast offering?
- Why does the Lord refer to fasting as "rejoicing"?
- Recall a time when your fast was a spiritual and meaningful experience. What made this experience special for you?
- Write down some specific goals that will help make your next fast a spiritual experience.
Topical Guide
Almsgiving
Fast, Fasting
Generosity
Hungry
Poor
Prayer
Welfare
Scriptures
Alms 6:6; 17:2-3
3 Nephi 13:16-18
D&C 59:9-19
1 Kings 19:8
Isaiah 58
Jonah 3:5
Matthew 4:2; 6:16-18
John 4:31-34
Bible Dictionary
Fasts
Other Sources
Gospel Principles, chapter 25
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