Idaho faith: Fasting with purpose helps others, brings us to God, provides us blessings

In a recent column I used the account of Esther in the Old Testament as an illustration of allowing God to prevail in one’s life. Her story also illustrates the power of fasting and prayer.

Esther was an orphan who was raised by her cousin, Mordecai in Persia, about 100 years after the Jews had been carried captive into Babylon. After King Ahasuerus divorced Queen Vashti, he chose Esther to be his new queen. The scriptures say that the king “loved Esther above all women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight.” (Esther 2:17) The king, however, did not know that Esther was Jewish.

Haman, one of the king’s advisers, was promoted to above the other princes, and he seized the opportunity to promulgate a policy to “destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old.” (Esther 4:14) Learning of Haman’s plot, Mordecai urged Esther to speak to the king.

Because of the threat of assassination, custom dictated that no one could approach the king without his invitation. Esther would literally be risking her life by approaching him. Recognizing the danger, Esther first asked that all the Jews in the city fast for three days before she approached the king.

Esther then went to the king, inviting him to a banquet where she revealed Haman’s plot, and the king issued a decree sparing the lives of the Jews.

Today when the subject of fasting arises, it is usually in conjunction with dieting. However, it is a widespread practice in many religions. Though the specifics vary, it basically consists of abstaining from food and drink for a period of time — usually 24 hours. Unlike just skipping a meal or two and feeling hungry, fasting is a purposeful act, usually accompanied by prayer, and designed to increase spirituality.

The first Sunday of each month is designated as a fast Sunday in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though fasting is not limited to those days. Sometimes a congregation is invited to fast for a specific purpose. For example, a member or family who needs a special blessing or, on one occasion I recall, for rain.

Some specific purposes for fasting identified in the scriptures include worship of God, seeking special blessings, for guidance, to obtain revelation, healing the sick, sanctification and as a general obligation of church members.

Isaiah teaches some of the blessings of fasting. “Is not this the fast that I (the Lord) have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)

Elder Shane M. Bowen, a member of the Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, correlates “yokes” to sins, bad habits and addictions. “Is there any of us”, he asks, “who would not want to be free from the personal burdens we carry? Fasting allows us to avail ourselves of this cleansing and purifying power.”

To do that, we need to develop the spiritual strength necessary to receive the promised blessings. Elder Bowen says that a person who can discipline himself to fast on a regular basis can resist temptation and free himself from the yokes of sin and addiction.

The key to that discipline is having a definite purpose for the fast, praying about that purpose, and seeking the power of the Holy Ghost to assist us. Praying and fasting enhance each other, and prayer helps us accomplish our purpose.

Isaiah speaks more about the fast the Lord has chosen, asking, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:7)

So not only are we to fast and pray, but to minister to those in need. In subsequent verses, Isaiah promises light, health and righteousness in our lives and the glory of God as our reward.

If we seek to observe the fast that the Lord has chosen, we have an opportunity to develop self-mastery, to strengthen our relationship with God and to receive great blessings. Gaining the self-discipline that can free us from bad habits and addictions is an amazing blessing in itself — certainly one worth seeking.