Fasting

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the April 2001 conference.

Intermittent fasting is a practice currently gaining popularity. The benefits are touted, and the practice is explained in numerous videos, on many websites, and in plenty of books. This practice almost seems like a cure-all for different medical conditions. None of the sources though, that I know of, include the practice of fasting and prayer and giving an offering to the needy.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "Some look at the overwhelming need in the world and think, What can I do that could possibly make a difference?  I will tell you plainly one thing you can do. You can live the law of the fast and contribute a generous fast offering."

Having been both a giver and a receiver I know this is true.

Fasting is hard. Sometimes is it not recommended to fast from food and drink, such as during pregnancy and nursing, or with certain medical conditions. While serving in the South as a missionary our president advised us to think of something else to fast from, such as reading our mail, or recreating on preparation day, etc. so we wouldn't risk dehydration in the hot humid summers. I believe Heavenly Father understands and accepts our efforts to fast by denying ourselves of something pleasurable to show our humility and discipline. Whatever we fast from, we can still give a generous offering. 

Elder Wirthlin ends with his ". . . testimony and promise along with the great apostles that have preceded us that those who live the law of the fast will surely discover the rich blessings that attend this holy principle."