A principle practiced by believers in ancient times, fasting as observed by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to once a month voluntarily abstain from food or drink for two consecutive meals.

This day, often the first Sabbath of each month, is referred to as "Fast Sunday."

At the same time, members contribute money — at least the equivalent they would have spent on food for those two meals — in a donation called a "fast offering," with the Church using those donations to assist the poor and needy.

As with some other practices, fasting can sometimes become second-nature or routine, with little thought given to its importance as well as the opportunities it provides and blessings it brings.

A catch phrase often heard today is the encouragement "to fast with a purpose."

However, such a phrase leads to the misconception that one's fast is less meaningful if some major blessing — perhaps a substantial healing of body, mind or spirit, or divine intervention — isn't being sought by the individual fasting.

Yes, the Savior and His prophets and apostles have long taught that fasting accompanying fervent prayer helps further qualify an individual's supplications to God.

Fasting has always had a purpose, as outlined by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.

In the 58th chapter of Isaiah, the true law of the fast is set forth, along with stated accompanying blessings. Whether Isaiah is offering a commentary on his time's practices or foreshadowing to our day, his teachings are pertinent now.

Anciently, accompanying ceremonies — rending of garments, wearing sackcloth and refraining from washing the face or anointing with oil — ultimately overshadowed fasting, which became a formality of outward observances.

Isaiah acknowledges those observing the letter of the law of the fast but complaining that an irritable process has not resulted in expected blessings. He chastises those finding their own pleasures in the fast, conducting it in a spirit of strife and debate, and trying to portray a righteous appearance while treating others in overbearing and belittling ways.

In short, hypocritical fasting without spiritual motivation results in discomfort and contention.

Saying such practices do not comprise the fast God has chosen, Isaiah cites the purpose of the fast: "to loose the bands of wickedness, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke" (Isaiah 58:6).

Simply put, this is to free oneself from the shackles of sin and transgression while striving to live a righteous life.

In plain language, Isaiah underscores additional purposes of the fast (Isaiah 58:7) — to help us help others in feeding the hungry, caring for the poor and homeless and clothing the naked. Also, he expressly reminds us to care for our own family members.

In turn, the Lord promises that if we call on Him, He'll answer. He promises if we root out evil in our lives, eliminate scorn and malicious speaking and instead give attention and care to the afflicted soul, we will receive light as well as be a light to others. And God will be our protection.

No, fasting does not always require a great need or substantial supplication to have "purpose."

Instead, a proper fast fosters true humility and a reminded reliance on God as we strive to draw closer to Him, to understand His will and to develop greater spiritual strength.