Elder Carl B. Pratt
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"Fasting has always been a practice among God's people. In our day it is a commandment given by the Lord to all members of the church. In addition to the occasional special fasts that we might have for personal or family reasons, we are expected to fast once a month on the first Sunday. We are taught that there are three aspects to a proper fast day observance: First, abstaining from food and drink for two consecutive meals, or in other words, 24 hours; second, attending fast and testimony meeting, and third, giving a generous fast offering."
For those who are spiritually able, fasting is a commandment.
"I fear, brethren, that too many of us are either not fasting on fast day, or we are doing so in a lackadaisical manner., If we are guilty of taking our fast day for granted or simply fasting Sunday morning instead of making it two complete meals — 24 hours — we are depriving ourselves and our families of the choice spiritual experiences and blessings that can come from a true fast."
"If all we do is abstain from food and drink for 24 hours and pay our fasting offering, we have missed a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth. On the other hand, if we have a special purpose in our fasting, the fast will have much more meaning."
"Fasting can help us overcome personal flaws and sins. It can help our weaknesses become strengths. Fasting can help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish and more concerned about the needs of others."
