My first thread - is there any benefit of fasting longer than the usual 24 hours?

[Superbaldguy]

This looks like a great forum for Church members (and those of other faiths) to frequent.

I have a question which has never been fully answered to my satisfaction. Are there any benefits to going beyond the usual 24-hour period for fasting? I regularly fast two or three times a month in addition to the first Sunday, I feel it is the best way to work out things in my mind and attempt to overcome weaknesses, plus various other purposes that certainly include seeking temporal blessings.

If we have some detrimental issue in our lives, would a 36-hour or even a 48-hour fast have any advantages? Do any members have experiences they would like to relate to answer my question?

Many thanks for anyone who can shed light on this inquiry.

[Traveler]

There is more to fasting than going without food and water. There are also many ways to fast. I personally believe that an “R” rated movie will break the spirit of the fast – along with many other things. There are some that have physical conditions that prevent a standard fast but that does not mean that they cannot fast.

Sometimes we read in scripture that retiring from civilization to “the wilderness” can be a part of a fast; as with Moses and Jesus that fasted for 40 days. In some cultures fasting for long periods of time in “the wilderness” is not unusual but such a fast means to only eat and drink what and when the wilderness provides.

The abstinence part of repentance can also be considered as a type of fast – in such cases a fast from a particular sin should continue without end.

The Traveler

[Palerider]

start your fast and end it with prayer....

[Moksha]

If we have some detrimental issue in our lives, would a 36-hour or even a 48-hour fast have any advantages?

Some people have used fasting for penitence, clarity or even to affect change. Ghandi and Nelson Mandela come to mind in this manner.

I would like to go on a fall and winter fast to get to a smaller size. Would I be holier? Probably not, but I would would have the female Penguins whistling more (at least to get out of their way).

[Superbaldguy]

I always start and end my fast with a prayer. I see many members who don't do that, seems almost as if the fast would have no efficacy without it.

Ideally, a fast should be in relative isolation and quiet. I have tried to fast during the work week, it's not as easy and may not be effective with all the usual distractions around me plus trying to focus on one's temporal work takes away from the spirit of the fast. Maybe I should "retire to the mountains" and see how that works out.

I am struggling with something, right now, that I feel needs more than the usual fasting unless I do this endeavor on a regular basis, say every Sunday, for a month. I find the Sabbath is clearly the best day to fast, I always feel an uplift from the experience.

[Mykdiver]

There is more to fasting than going without food and water. There are also many ways to fast. I personally believe that an “R” rated movie will break the spirit of the fast – along with many other things.

I think that watching rated R movies breaks the spirit any time they are veiwed!

As far as the length of your fast... I don't think that the length is as important as the effectivness of it. If you really dedicate yourself, pray often, read your scriptures as part of it and really concentrate on what you are fasting for that would be more effective than just fasting for a longer period of time.

[Jbs2763]

I think that watching rated R movies breaks the spirit any time they are veiwed!

As far as the length of your fast... I don't think that the length is as important as the effectivness of it. If you really dedicate yourself, pray often, read your scriptures as part of it and really concentrate on what you are fasting for that would be more effective than just fasting for a longer period of time.

I am of the minority that some R rated films are worth watching, and should be required viewing based on hisorical puroposes, Saving PVT Ryan, and Schlinder's List

[Traveler]

I am of the minority that some R rated films are worth watching, and should be required viewing based on hisorical puroposes, Saving PVT Ryan, and Schlinder's List

I very much disagree with you attitude. As a Vietnam vet I served and experienced horrors so that others would not have to accommodate such things (at least so I thought). I think there is something wrong with an individual or society that seeks out such things for entertainment.

If you are truly interested in what it is really like; get off your butt and serve in the military – request combat. Perhaps then you will understand that there is big differences in thinking you know something because you sat and were entertained for a couple of hours verses living the lost of friends in your presents.

The Traveler

[BenRaines]

There are physical benefits in addition to spiritual benefits to fasting. There are many types of physical fasting and each has a benefit. Some fasting for as long as two weeks but not total denial of nutrition. I have participated in a juice fast before of up to two weeks. Great health benefits if you are up to it.

Ben Raines

[Mykdiver]

I very much disagree with you attitude. As a Vietnam vet I served and experienced horrors so that others would not have to accommodate such things (at least so I thought). I think there is something wrong with an individual or society that seeks out such things for entertainment.

If you are truly interested in what it is really like; get off your butt and serve in the military – request combat. Perhaps then you will understand that there is big differences in thinking you know something because you sat and were entertained for a couple of hours verses living the lost of friends in your presents.

The Traveler

Ahmen brother, US Navy 17 years and counting here!

[Still_Small_Voice]

I can state that fasting with sincere prayer and pure intent is a way to gain a spiritual mountain top experience.

Be very cautious in fasting for long periods of time as it may be harmful to your health. Use wisdom and judgment if you do intend to fast longer than twenty-four hours.

I once fasted four about two and a half days and had a some very good experiences. I hope to be able to do it again someday.

[Mykdiver]

Good points and thanks for the info.

[Superbaldguy]

Seems there can be enhanced spiritual experiences by going longer than the 24 hours, I must try that in the near future. Thanks for your insights.

[Misshalfway]

I have a memory of the brethren addressing this question in GC. And the counsel was that the 24 hour fast done properly each month would be sufficient for spiritual "mountain climbing". :)

Jesus fasted for 40 days. But from what I understand it wasn't necessarily a starvation fast. I know there are different methods.

Anyway.....I think the point is that maintaining our spiritual health can be accomplished in moderate ranges perhaps more effectively that anything more radical.

[utcowboy]

This looks like a great forum for Church members (and those of other faiths) to frequent.

I have a question which has never been fully answered to my satisfaction. Are there any benefits to going beyond the usual 24-hour period for fasting? I regularly fast two or three times a month in addition to the first Sunday, I feel it is the best way to work out things in my mind and attempt to overcome weaknesses, plus various other purposes that certainly include seeking temporal blessings.

If we have some detrimental issue in our lives, would a 36-hour or even a 48-hour fast have any advantages? Do any members have experiences they would like to relate to answer my question?

Many thanks for anyone who can shed light on this inquiry.

This is my personal opinion and I have to say that I haven't read all the previous posts so if I copy something someones else has already said, I'm sorry :)

We read in the scriptures in several places that individuals fasted until they received an answer to their question. As long as your health will permit, I think you can fast until you feel you have receive the answer that you need or desire. Just remember that you might not always like the answer you get. :)

[Superbaldguy]

Great answers, folks.

I find when I fast, my mind is crystal-clear and I do feel close to the Spirit. It seems a good fast will help me feel as if I have gained some ground in conquering my enemies. But, as most of us inevitably do, I tend to gravitate back to that weakness. I keep struggling and fasting/prayer seems to be the best solution.

I don't think the Lord glories in these battles we have, most of them are in our minds - our thoughts are the precursor of our sins. Our sins are nothing more than a product of unhealthy thoughts which play out themselves.

The key seems to be to be striving to overcome sins and infirmities. If we have to go on regular fasts to help in that fight, that is a solution for me and seems to be my best answer until I fully overcome my issues; giving up is not an option.

I have to speak next Sunday, I may try a 36-hour fast that will include my speaking assignment; I used to regularly fast when I did my High Council visits, I simply felt like the words were more directed than when I haven't fasted.

It's wonderful the Lord has given us many tools to help combat our weaknesses and shortcomings, He really wants us all to be perfect at some point.

[Brother Dorsey]

If we have some detrimental issue in our lives, would a 36-hour or even a 48-hour fast have any advantages? Do any members have experiences they would like to relate to answer my question?

Many thanks for anyone who can shed light on this inquiry.

Hello SuperBaldGuy!

Yes, I once fasted 48 hours, although the second day I had to take some water......I noticed a direct benefit.....I lost and extra 2lbs.! Actually, the fast is a sacrifice for the Lord, it shows Him our willingness to sacrifice in an ever so small way compared to what he has done for us. To me it doesn't matter how long you fast but it's your true intent and what's in your heart that matters most.

[YoungMormonRoyalist]

There are many health benefits to a weekly fast, and I'm trying to work to at least one every weekend, though it is hard with work. Then there is the 'testimony fast' which is different from the others as it is done not for the health benefits, but the spiritual ones.

FYI Next August, a month before my mission I'm planning on taking a short hike up the mountain near my place and spending two or three days in quiet contemplation/prayer/scripture reading while fasting (I'm bringing some water and fruit with me just in case things get dangerous...as well as a cell phone).

Then comes EFY, then Trek, then Endowment, then mission. A spiritual bonanza right before my mission.

[Superbaldguy]

The benefit of the first Sunday fast is that everyone is supposed to be doing it, together, it can be a very powerful experience both individually and collectively.

With my busy duties as the ward ES, I often find I am in the building several hours each Sunday, it is actually very practical to fast since I really don't get an opportunity to get sustenance for a long period of time - I do have access to candy, though, many of the youth know I stash it away in the clerk's office, little rugrats=)

[YoungMormonRoyalist]

The benefit of the first Sunday fast is that everyone is supposed to be doing it, together, it can be a very powerful experience both individually and collectively.

With my busy duties as the ward ES, I often find I am in the building several hours each Sunday, it is actually very practical to fast since I really don't get an opportunity to get sustenance for a long period of time - I do have access to candy, though, many of the youth know I stash it away in the clerk's office, little rugrats=)

We all know where the seminary teacher keeps hers.