In his priesthood session address, Elder Carl B. Pratt of the Seventy emphasized the blessings of a proper fast, outlining the three aspects to a proper fast day observance as abstaining from food for two consecutive meals, or in other words, 24 hours; attending fast and testimony meeting; and giving a generous fast offering.

Elder Carl B. Pratt

"For the Pratt family our regular fasts have always been from the Saturday noon meal to the Sunday noon meal," he said. "That way we fast for two meals, Saturday evening meal and Sunday morning meal. Although there is no Church standard for fasting, except that it should be for 24 hours and two meals, we have found spiritual advantage in attending fast and testimony meeting towards the end of the fast."

Elder Pratt noted that fasting is a commandment for those who are physically able. "I fear, brethren, that too many of us are either not fasting on fast day, or we are doing so in a lackadaisical manner," he said. "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."

He added: "If all we do is abstain from food and drink . . . and pay our fast 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." He suggested that families at the beginning of the fast discuss what they hope to accomplish by it.

"When we fast with purpose we have something to focus our attention on besides our hunger," he observed.

Elder Pratt said purposes for fasting may be personal or may focus on a family challenge. Priesthood holders might seek the Lord's guidance in their callings or fast with a home teaching companion to know how to help one of their assigned families, he said.

Proper fasting is combined with prayer, Elder Pratt said, adding that the prayer could be done kneeling at the dinner table as the family finishes the meal that begins the fast. "Likewise, let us end our fasts with prayer," he added. "We could very appropriately kneel at the table before we sit down to consume the meal with which we break our fast." In addition, those who fast should seek the Lord often in personal prayers throughout the fast, he noted.

Elder Pratt said young children should not be expected to fast for the recommended two meals but should be taught the principles of fasting and be included in the family prayers to begin and end the fast. He said in his family children between 8 and 12 years of age have been encouraged to fast for one meal, and as they turn 12 and receive the Aaronic Priesthood or enter Young Women, have been encouraged to fast for two complete meals.

Quoting Isaiah 56:6, Elder Pratt suggested: "If we fast and pray with the purpose of repenting of sins and overcoming personal weaknesses we are surely seeking to 'loose the bands of wickedness' in our lives. If the purpose of our fast is to be more effective in teaching the gospel and serving others in our Church callings, surely we are striving to 'undo the heavy burdens' of others. If we are fasting and praying for the Lord's help in our missionary efforts, surely we are desiring to 'let the oppressed go free.' If the purpose of our fast is to increase our love for our fellow man and overcome our selfishness, our pride, and having our hearts set upon the things of this world, surely we are seeking to break every yoke.' "