Sometimes fasting might be exercised when a person is in mourning, or when he simply wishes to privately show thankfulness or devotion to the Lord. A standard time of fasting for all members of the Mormon Church takes place on the first Sunday of each month.
Usually starting on Saturday afternoon or evening and ending around the same time Sunday, Mormons unitedly implore Heavenly Father for spiritual and physical blessings while they obediently keep His law of fasting. Special practices are observed during this collective fast.
They express their gratitude for blessings from God and share their testimonies, or convictions, as a way of inviting the Holy Ghost to touch the hearts of others.
Another practice is the offering of donations for the needy, discretely handed to a leader of the congregation, in the amount of the money that a person would have spent on meals had he eaten instead of fasting. This donation is known simply as a fast offering, and when possible, Mormons actually try to give much more generously than just the cost of a few meals. Besides the standard fast at the beginning of each month, Mormons may fast at other times when they feel a special need or desire to do so.
Yet they are taught to always use wisdom and balance in fasting. For instance, fasting for an excessively long period, or fasting too frequently, might prove dangerous as well as inappropriate. Also, even though Mormons consider fasting to be a commandment, they recognize that some have special needs. Young children, pregnant women, the sick or diabetic, generally are not expected to fast.
Sometimes, a special fast might be scheduled. Of course, prayer is an important part of this type of fast, and miracles occur when whole families fast and pray together. Some years ago, the leaders of the Church called for a special worldwide fast and round of donations to benefit victims of a famine in Africa. Sacrament Meeting differs on this day. Going without food and drink for a period of time is fasting.
We are counseled always to align our fast with a spiritual purpose: to improve ourselves in righteousness, to seek a worthy blessing, to express our love and gratitude, to serve our God and our fellowman. The late Apostle Bruce R. McConkie has stated the following:. Many specific reasons for fasting are found in the scriptures.
It is a general obligation imposed by revelation upon church members in good standing. Doctrine and Covenants ; ; Luke ; 2 Corinthians ; It is itself a form of the true worship of God. Luke ; Acts ; Alma ; 4 Nephi Temples are houses of fasting Doctrine and Covenants ; ; , McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. Great blessings flow from God to the faithful who sincerely practice a prayerful fast, whether it be strengthening, healing, or an increase of understanding.
We are to act with faith and bring an offering of sincere fasting and prayer in order to have a more contrite disposition in accordance with heavenly principles. The blessings of the Spirit and the power to teach by that same Spirit come through fasting and prayer see also Alma The blessings of faith and humility, even unto sanctification by the Holy Spirit, come through fasting and prayer.
The Lord has instituted the fast on a reasonable and intelligent basis, and none of his works are vain or unwise. His law is perfect in this as in other things. Hence, those who can are required to comply thereto; it is a duty from which they cannot escape; but let it be remembered that the observance of the fast day by abstaining twenty-four hours from food and drink is not an absolute rule, it is no iron-clad law to us, but it is left with the people as a matter of conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion.
Many are subject to weakness, others are delicate in health, and others have nursing babies; of such it should not be required to fast. Neither should parents compel their little children to fast. I have known children to cry for something to eat on fast day.
In such cases, going without food will do them no good. Instead, they dread the day to come, and in place of hailing it, dislike it; while the compulsion engenders a spirit of rebellion in them, rather than a love for the Lord and their fellows. The Church designates one Sunday each month, usually the first Sunday, as a day of fasting. Members are asked to go without food and drink for two consecutive meals, or approximately 24 hours.
They are also asked to contribute the money that they would have spent on food for those meals to the Church, which, through its welfare system, uses to care for those in need. This money is called a fast offering. The Church uses the fast offerings to assist the poor and needy.
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