The Law of the Fast

The Law of the Fast has been something I have wanted to know more about. What is it's purpose? What constitutes a sufficient fast? What are the promised blessings that come from fasting? These questions and others have been swirling around for quite some time. I have researched the topic in the scriptures and talks given by inspired and knowledgeable people, and here compile them for my own benefit. Elder L. Tom Perry said, "The law of the fast has three great purposes. First, it provides assistance to the needy through the contribution of fast offerings, consisting of the value of meals from which we abstain. Second, a fast is beneficial to us physically. Third, it is to increase humility and spirituality on the part of each individual." That is not an outline of what I am going to write about, but it is a good definition for what the law of the fast is, and what it consists of.

Physically, fasting is very beneficial. There are many articles written about the benefits of a healing fast. Some time ago there was an article in Science News written by Charles L. Goodrich, which stated that the advantages extend far beyond the cosmetic. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that caloric restriction early in life leads to an increased life span and reduces the risk of certain diseases. There is also evidence of health-promoting effects of periodic fasting. Some experiments have shown that periodic fasting not only promotes a longer life, but encourages a more vigorous activity later in life. But, fasting is depriving the body of nutrition and doesn't that mess with glucose levels and hydration and whatnot? What of that? “When a person starts a fast, biochemical adjustments begin in the bloodstream to compensate for the lack of food. A carbohydrate substance known as glycogen is released from storage areas in the liver and the muscles. The body uses glycogen as food to keep cells supplied with energy. After 24 hours this food source is used up, and another source of energy is needed. Dr. Siegfried Heyden of Duke University’s Department of Community and Family Medicine says when this happens, the body starts looking for other energy sources. ‘The first thing happening after a 24-hour fast is the breakdown of fat cells. And these fat cells, when they break down, produce ketone bodies, as they are called. And these ketone bodies seem to have an effect on our psyche in that they make us no longer hungry.’ Fasting is, physically, a period of rest and renewal with a potential for remarkable benefits with the body using its stored reserves as food. Fasting can detoxify the body, and can help with blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, inflammation and many other issues.

After 24 hours without food or drink, the body submits to the spirit. When the spirit is victorious, we experience greater sensitivity to the influence of the Holy Ghost. So, if after fasting for 24 hours, the body submits to the Spirit and we may be more able to heed the promptings of the Spirit, does that increase as the time we fast increases? If I fast longer, is my petition to the Lord 'moved up in line' and the probability of it being answered heightened? The answer to that is simply no. The inadvisability of excessive fasting was explained in some detail in the June 1972 Priesthood Bulletin, ‘We are informed that some … engage in rather lengthy fasting. It is not advisable that they do this. If there is a special matter for which they should fast, if they would fast one day and then go to the Lord humbly and ask for his blessings, that should suffice.’ Another plea for wisdom in fasting was offered by President Joseph F. Smith, who cautioned that “there is such a thing as overdoing. A man may fast and pray till he kills himself; and there isn’t any necessity for it; nor wisdom in it. … The Lord can hear a simple prayer, offered in faith, in half a dozen words, and he will recognize fasting that may not continue more than twenty-four hours, just as readily and as effectually as He will answer a prayer of a thousand words and fasting for a month. … The Lord will accept that which is enough, with a good deal more pleasure and satisfaction than that which is too much and unnecessary. Using wisdom and logical sacrifice and restraint is apparently key to it. For, 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.” Fasting helps to teach us self-mastery. It helps us to gain the discipline we need to have control over ourselves. Self-mastery and discipline is inherent in fasting and it should not be used to hurt or destroy the body by the unwise use of it. There are many articles on fasting, and different lengths for different physical purposes, and still taking in water, or juice, or whatever. These are not the fasts I am interested in discussing. I'm talking only about a spiritual fast. In instructing His disciples, Jesus did not set down any specific requirements regarding the nature or frequency of fasting. The usual fast, the one we are asked to participate in for fast Sunday, is to abstain from food and drink for two consecutive meals. We may be clear though, that if all we do is abstain from food and drink for 24 hours, we have missed a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth.

Fasting and Prayer... together
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. 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. It can strengthen our character and build self-restraint and discipline. Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power. Testimonies grow. We mature spiritually and emotionally and sanctify our souls. Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions. We can also put ourselves into the shoes of the less fortunate, and may gain compassion to help, support, and lift them with whatever we are able to.

What are the spiritual benefits that come from fasting and prayer?
Fasting is an important part of building a strong relationship with God. It can help us to draw close to Him. Scriptures teach us that Christ's disciples did not fast when they were with Him, but were admonished by Him to do so once He was gone. It brings us close to God. Fasting can increase and fortify our faith, and bring humility and gratitude for the sacrifice Christ gave on our behalf. In that humility, we may better worship God and grow through the closeness it brings. Proper and consistent fasting can help us overcome sins, bad habits, addictions, overcome our weaknesses, and  help them become strengths, as well as a myriad of personal problems. Is there any of us who would not want to be freed from the personal burdens we carry? It can also help when facing a major decisions, danger, or crisis of life. It gives strength, assurance, and is a great way to give gratitude to God. Fasting also allows us to access God's cleansing and purifying power. Fasting is powerful to heal, and can be used to heal yourself or someone else, in any way. Sometimes healing can ONLY come through fasting and prayer. In Matthew 17:14-21 a child who was possessed of an evil spirit was brought to Christ after His disciples were unable to cast out the devil in him. Christ did cast it out and the child was cured. When the disciples asked why the could not cast the devil out, Christ told them that "this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting" Proper fasting often results in significant spiritual experiences, miracles, and spiritual growth. , It opens for us the windows of heaven. Fasting can help clear the mind and strengthen the body and the spirit. Fasting combined with sincere prayer can strengthen us spiritually, bring us closer to God, and help us prepare ourselves and others to receive His blessings. Fasting can help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish, and more concerned about the needs of others. It can help us see more clearly our own mistakes and weaknesses and help us be less prone to criticize others. We can fast to increase our love for others, reduce contention in our lives, strengthen relationships, receive guidance on how to best serve others, to receive knowledge and understanding, receive help or comfort, and many many other things. Fasting provides a way for us to gain sufficient confidence in the Lord that we may call down the powers of heaven. It is solely for our benefit, and those benefits are great.

In fasting, does it matter if there is a specific purpose in mind? Yes. If we have a special purpose in our fasting, the fast will have much more meaning, and we will be able to observe the hand of God in our lives as He responds to our humble fast.  To make a fast most fruitful, it should be coupled with prayer and meditation; physical work should be held to a minimum, and it is a blessing if one can ponder on the scriptures and the reason for their fast. If we fast and pray with the purpose of repenting of sins and overcoming personal weaknesses, surely we are seeking to “loose the bands of wickedness” in our lives. If the purpose of our fast is to be more effective in teaching the gospel and serving others, we are surely striving to “undo the heavy burdens” of others. If we are fasting and praying for the Lord’s help in our missionary efforts, aren’t we desiring to “let the oppressed go free”? If the purpose of our fast is to increase our love for our fellow man and overcome our selfishness, our pride, and having our hearts set upon the things of this world, surely we are seeking to “break every yoke.” What an enabling promise, to have the power to break every yoke!

Fasting is a principle of power. It changes lives.