OF

By Mindy Raye Friedman Church Magazines

ou’re probably well aware [2011], 39). So how does fasting do them that “this kind goeth not out but of what the law of the fast this? Elder Russell M. Nelson of the by prayer and fasting” (see Matthew means—once a month on Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has 17:14–21). True to the Faith explains: fast Sunday, you go without food and explained that as you fast, “through “This account teaches that prayer and drink for two meals, pray, and con- your spirit, you develop personal fasting can give added strength to tribute a to help the poor power over your body’s drives of those giving and receiving (and, of course, you can fast and pray hunger and thirst. Fasting gives you blessings. The account can also be at other times of need, within rea- confidence to know that your spirit applied to your personal efforts to live sonable, healthy limits). But are you can master appetite. . . . Fasting forti- the gospel. If you have a weakness or aware of all the blessings that come fies discipline over appetite and helps sin that you have struggled to over- with keeping this commandment? to protect against later uncontrolled come, you may need to fast and pray Here are several to consider. What cravings and gnawing habits” (“Self- in order to receive the help or forgive- others can you find in the scriptures, Mastery,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 30–31). ness you desire” ([2004], 67). teachings of living prophets, and per- sonal experience? Healing and Miracles Love for God’s Children In the New Testament, the disciples Contributing a generous fast Power to Overcome of Jesus Christ unsuccessfully tried offering after skipping two meals Temptations to cast a devil out of a boy. After the on fast Sunday helps us understand “Fasting will strengthen your self- Savior was able to do so, the disciples and love Heavenly Father’s children discipline [and] fortify you against asked why it hadn’t worked for them who don’t have as many blessings temptations” (For the Strength of Youth like it had for the Savior. Jesus told as we do. Elder L. Tom Perry of the

34 New Era Share Your Experiences How has your life been blessed by fasting? Record experiences in your journal, and (if they are not too sacred) consider sharing them with your family, youth in your ward, or other youth online at lds​.org/​go/​83Fast.

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has and he shall say, Here I am” (Isaiah sons of Mosiah “had given themselves taught that living the law of the fast 58:9). He also taught that if you help to much prayer, and fasting; therefore “raises our appreciation for those who those in need, “the Lord shall guide they had the spirit of prophecy, and are without and provides a means thee continually” (Isaiah 58:11). From the spirit of revelation” (Alma 17:3). to satisfy their daily requirements” the we learn that the We also learn that Alma the Younger (“Building a Community of Saints,” “fasted and prayed many days” so that Ensign, May 2001, 36). OTHER BLESSINGS he could gain a testimony (Alma 5:46). n addition to the blessings men- Like these men, you can also be led Remission of Sins Itioned, ancient and modern prophets by the Lord and receive revelation if Helping out the poor as part of our have also taught about these blessings you obey the law of the fast. fast also brings the additional bless- of observing the law of the fast: ing of helping us retain a remission Stronger Relationship of our sins. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin • Loose the bands of wickedness. with God (1917–2008) explained: “When we • Free the oppressed. Elder Robert D. Hales of the give to the bishop an offering to • Break every yoke. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles relieve the suffering of others, we not • Increase our physical health. has said, “By not eating these two only do something sublime for oth- • Increase prosperity. meals, we draw close to the Lord ers, but we do something wonderful • Energize us spiritually. in humility and prayer” (“Becoming for ourselves as well. King Benjamin • Strengthen our self-discipline. Provident Providers Temporally and • Fill our homes with peace. taught that as we give of our sub- Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 9). • Lighten our hearts with joy. stance to the poor, we retain ‘a remis- President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) • Prepare us for times of adversity. sion of [our] sins from day to day’ explained that this happens because • Open the windows of heaven. (Mosiah 4:26)” (“The Law of the Fast,” fasting will “promote communion • Help us teach with power. Ensign, May 2001, 74). with the Holy Ghost, and insure a • Increase humility and spirituality. spiritual strength and power. . . . As Personal Revelation From Isaiah 58:6, 8; Marion G. Romney, fasting should always be accompa- “The Blessings of the Fast,” Ensign, July In the Old Testament, the prophet 1982, 4; Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of nied by prayer, this law would bring Isaiah talked about the law of the fast. the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 75; Alma 17:3; the people nearer to God” (Teachings and L. Tom Perry, “The Law of the Fast,” He promised that if you fast and pray, Ensign, May 1986, 31. of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANI JONES ILLUSTRATIONS “the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, Smith [1998], 198). NE

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