Observe the Law of the Fast
Fasting is the act of abstaining from food and drink for a period of time for the purpose of drawing closer to God. It also provides a means whereby the spiritual and physical needs of the poor and afflicted can be met. This occurs when those who fast voluntarily contribute the expense of the meals missed to aid the poor and the needy.
Fasting, which has always been a spiritual practice of the true Church, is an opportunity for spiritual renewal and to grow closer to your Heavenly Father. The Lord restored the principle of fasting through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Today The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints designates one Sunday a month as a day of fasting, in which each Church member goes without food or water for two consecutive meals. Fast Sunday, as it is often called, is a special day given to the bearing of personal testimonies during Church meetings.
While fasting, you should engage in sincere prayer for specific purposes. When you fast and pray with faith, you are humbled and are more receptive to receiving answers to your prayers and blessings from the Lord. Fasting is private and spiritual, and you should not draw attention to the fact that you are fasting.
As part of the fast, members of the Church contribute a fast offering to assist in the care of the poor and the needy. There is no standard donation amount for fast offerings, but it is counseled that this offering should be at least the value of the two meals you went without while fasting. These funds are used to provide food, shelter, and other necessities to people in need, both locally and worldwide. As you contribute generously to these funds, you will be blessed both spiritually and temporally for your desire to help others.
There are many scriptural references about fasting in the Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants; here are a few:
