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The Law Fasting - Mormon Doctrine Studies - Posted: 26th May, 2007 - 9:37pm
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The Law Of Fasting
The Law Of Fasting
| QUOTE |
| "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." (Elder Joseph Wirthlin) |
The law of fasting is one of the commandments that I have more trouble with, nevertheless I know it is a powerful tool to gain strength and to expect miracles. I would like to ask the following questions since I will start fasting tomorrow:
If you are in a very difficult situation and you need something really bad and you know the Lord can help you with it, how long you should fast for?. What I mean is: Should you fast for 24 hs or you should test the Lord and fast until you get what you needed?.
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Fasting Law The
| QUOTE |
| If you are in a very difficult situation and you need something really bad and you know the Lord can help you with it, how long you should fast for?. What I mean is: Should you fast for 24 hs or you should test the Lord and fast until you get what you needed?. |
The Church says that 24 hours or two meals once per month is sufficient. On my mission we liked to fast every week though as we found it so effective. Personally, in addition to the above I fast whenever I need it, so if I feel I need to fast each week then I fast each week. As for the length of your fast. I think you should not go beyond what you can physically handle or in other words, it is not necessary that you faint or collapse for your fast to be noticed by the Lord. Honestly, I feel that fasting is all mental, once we see it that way then there is not too much concern for how long we should be without food or how much food did we miss, etc. Man can reach God by great exertion of his spirit, that is what allows us to petition Heavenly Father and fasting is a means of assisting us to get there not the other way around.
The Law Of Fasting Studies Doctrine Mormon
I have heard of people who were very successful in fasting every other day for a set number of days. Others have been successful in fasting for two days from food, but continuing to drink water, as much as needed, during that time.
While the Church does say that once per month is sufficient, I think that is as a minimum, not a maximum.
Oh, by the way, I am TERRIBLE at fasting. 
Edited: Nighthawk on 2nd Aug, 2005 - 12:36am
Fasting Law The
Well, I started today but I did not do a 24 hs fast, I couldn't. I started yesterday night and I finished today around 4:00pm. I was kind of dissapointed but I hope to be able to do better tomorrow or the next day. I felt a very special conection with Heavenly Father today through fasting.
Fasting Law The
I really love that quote that you used, LDS_Forever. I've used it on my ward programs several times on Fast Sundays. Here's another one that has helped me:
| QUOTE |
| I became more concerned that I was doing something wrong in my fasting: my fast Sundays had not been days particularly full of joy: At best they were as joyful as any other Sunday; at worst, they were sometimes characterized by grouchiness, hunger, impatience, and bad feelings. And fast Sundays certainly did not produce a fullness of joy radiating through the rest of the month. For me, there was no noticeable difference between months when I fasted and months when I didn't. At that point I knew I was missing something that had made a profound difference in the lives of others. I read some fasting guidelines given us by modern-day prophets. I knew the law of the fast, and I knew that I could observe the outward letter of the law. But it is the spirit of the law that can really change our lives. One of the greatest blessings I received was instruction in what it feels like or sounds like to receive the quiet promptings of the Holy Ghost. Another important blessing I have received as a result of fasting is an increased ability to recognize evil influences and temptations-and to dismiss them without consideration. Even though my fasting still cannot perfectly be called "rejoicing and prayer," I feel much closer to that ideal than I did a year ago. I am grateful that I know that God lives, that we are his children, and that his desire for us is that we find joy. And now I"m convinced that fasting is an integral part of that joy. It is a crucial element in our effort to eliminate every weakness, strengthen every talent, become perfect so that we can rejoin our Father in heaven. I am thankful to him for revealing fasting as a powerful tool that can help us find our way back to him. Sheryl Condie Kempton, "Fasting-A Gift of Joy," Ensign, Jan. 1978, 10 |
I still struggle with this principle, and quite often "forget" that it's Fast Sunday. I have yet to specifically fast for a purpose, outside of the monthly fast.
Post Date: 26th May, 2007 - 9:25pm / Post ID: #
The Law Fasting
I personally don't think one can define how long one should fast. The Church has set forth a regular way to do it. I tend to agree with Nighthawk that the monthly fasting is a minimum requirement. I often fast if I am facing a challenge and when I feel totally uncomfortable with what is to happen. This way I try to show Heavenly Father that I am totally dependant on him and his help and support.
When you fast and pray about something, are you really sure that you will get what you want? Wouldn't it be foolishness to fast until near death experience if what you were praying for was not what God intended? I think it is important also to accept the answer rather than thinking that if I fast long enough God will give me what I ask for.
Sorry if I got a little off topic here....
EJ
The Law Fasting Mormon Doctrine Studies
That is a valid point - fasting regardless of the Lord already telling you "no". I do not think one has to fast like Ghandi to petition the Lord, however fasting beyond the basic requirements is in my mind needed in our lives so we do not develop pride. I think there are so many things to fast for that you will find yourself looking for something else to fast for or about. I often find that when one is too comfortable fasting becomes difficult. Stress and strain makes it easier, but should it be that way? Probably fasting really does help us to remain focus, the time set by the Church is just a formality as far as I see.
| Rather off topic, but... There is another element of fasting that I Discuss here: https://www.bordeglobal.com/foruminv/index....showtopic=24272 Please feel free to give comments there as well regarding fasting itself outside the realm of spirituality. |
TOPIC: The Law Of Fasting