Mormonism: Fasting

Every month there is set apart each Sunday within Mormonism that allows the members to fast for various reasons. Those that are not of the faith do not know what fasting is, some may have never heard of this word. So the topic today will be presented on what fasting is pertaining to the Mormons.
Fasting is not a new movement or act that has come about in recent times. Quite the opposite. Fasting has been around ever since the beginning of the world. We can even read within the accounts of the Four Gospels (New Testaments:John, Matt, etc) that they recorded Jesus Christ fasting for forty days. We do not go to this large extent of fasting but do still perform the same principle of fasting.

Just as Christ fasted we also fast, going without food and water for an allotted time, most typically for 24 hours. These lay outs of fasting are just recommendations and not requirements. The time frame may vary from individuals and how they fast meaning what they fast from is different as well. But the majority of these members do fast going without food and water for a space of close to 24 hours. There are even some that go beyond the 24 hours, but it all depends upon the individual.

Fasting is done once a month, giving the time set aside for members to fast together but this does not mean you have to fast with everyone else. Circumstances may come about that does not allow an individual to fast with the rest of their church members. There are members that go beyond this by fasting more than once or twice or even three times a month. Personally I have fasted well beyond the one month set point just because of personal circumstances that have come about.

So what can you fast for? Basically you can fast for anything but the majority of the fast that I have personally seen in my life are fasting for those that are sick and afflicted, those that are in need, direction, comfort, hopes to get a job, and many more things.

The Principle of Fasting. As we fast we are refraining from indulging and allowing more of our spirits to take the lead position in our day. It is quite difficult to fast so in these times we look to God for strength this is the purpose of the fast is to come to God and draw closer to him. For those that fast they feel a nearness to God and find those things that they stand in most need of. It is a sacrifice of ones self to give up what they usually wouldn't for the Lord, self sacrifice. In fasting there is great power, we feel Gods love and an Spiritual strength that comes from Gods Holy Spirit. Fasting is powerful.