The Law of the Fast

Grandpas' Corner

The Law of the Fast

I encourage all of my grandchildren to faithfully live the Law of the Fast and receive the promised blessings. The Lord has commanded us to “look to the poor and the needy, and administer to their relief that they shall not suffer” (D&C 38:35). President Thomas S. Monson taught:

               

“Remember the principle of the true fast. Is it not to deal our bread to the hungry, to bring to our own house the poor who are outcast, to clothe the naked, to hide not ourselves from our own flesh? (See Isaiah 58:7). An honest fast offering, a generous fast offering, will certainly be an indication to our Heavenly Father that we know and abide this particular law.

Principles

•             A proper fast day includes abstaining from food and drink in a 24-hour period, attending fast and testimony meeting and giving a generous fast offering. (Handbook 2, 6.1.2) Those who have health conditions that prohibit skipping meals can observe the spirit of the fast by being prayerful and contributing what they can as fast offerings.  Fasting should always be accompanied by prayer.
•             The Law of the Fast is accessible to all saints, regardless of their economic condition; it is a matter of faith.
•            When members fast, they are asked to give to the Church a fast offering at least equal to the value of the food they would have eaten.  If possible, they should be generous and give more. (Handbook 2, 6.1.2)
•           You as teenagers might want to consider paying your own fast offering so you can learn the importance of the law of the fast.
•        Blessings associated with the Law of the Fast include closeness to the Lord, increased spiritual strength, temporal well being, greater compassion, and a stronger desire to serve.” (Handbook 2, 6.1.2)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Please read chapter 58 of Isaiah. It gives additional insights into this wonderful law and its amazing blessings.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a teenager, I remember it being difficult to fast.  The secret for me was to be involved in doing something like reading or visiting someone or doing family history or taking a nap so I didn't sit around thinking about food.

                Much love, Grandpa

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