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The Law Of Fasting - Page 2

Thanks for everyones responses, I really enjoy reading these.
I don't really have a comment but more of a piggyback question...
What is considered a long fast? I know that is different for everyone
but I think the "two meals once a month" has been established as
the minimum but I haven't heard anyone say what a "medium"
fast would be or a "long" fast. I would love to hear some examples
of how long people have fasted for. I had a friend (non LDS)
who I believe went around 30 days with just water. That seems
like that would be in the "long" category. I've gone a day and a
half or about 4 meals, but it's hard to tell when I should start eating
again. When I fast I definitely feel spiritually stronger and am able to resist temptation
better. But, if I fast longer can I get even more spiritual strength?
Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Fasting Law The

The longest I've fasted(for spiritual reasons) is three days. I've done longer for health purposes, but then you have supplements to some degree. In the book "They Knew the Prophet" Joseph Smith counseled a man, who's child was epileptic, to fast three days for her. He said any time a child is sick the head of the household should do this. His wife was nursing at the time and she fasted with him and the child's health was completely restored. When I was expecting my last baby, I asked the Lord if I should still continue to fast, and had a dream that night of Mary, the mother of our Lord, full term pregnant, and fasting! That was my answer. Of course I didn't do long fasts at that time, but the ones I did were very meaningful. I have had so many beautiful experiences with fasting. I think the most important thing is to remember to "fast and pray oft" My idea of oft is every Sunday, but another's idea may be monthly. Another important aspect of my fasting is when I open my fast with prayer, I tell the Lord how long I will fast, why, and what I am abstaining from. Once you've agreed to something with Him, you'll not easily give up. Also, there is a lot more to fasting than meets the eye. I would encourage everyone to ask the Lord exactly what the purposes are as well as the correct way to do it. I still don't know it all myself, but I've learned a lot over the years, and can testify to the importance as well as necessity of this law.

The Law Of Fasting Studies Doctrine Mormon

KimB, I am interested in your fast. When you say you have fasted for three days is that without water as well? Do you break in between each 24 hours to drink something?

Page 2 Fasting Law The

When I've done three day fasts I've always had minimal amounts of water. I once did a two day fast from everything, and came down with a bad infection.(coincidence I'm sure) Which made me nervous to try again, because of the mental association, I guess. But I'm sure I'll face that fear some day and give it another whirl. My main purpose in fasting, at this point, is to gain dominion over the flesh. Sometimes other things come up like illness or trials which require a spiritual focus, but overall the reason my husband and I fast every Sunday is the dominion aspect, which truly brings you closer to the Lord.

Message Edited... Persephone: It is not necessary to quote the entire post of the user above you. See Constructive Posting Policy.

Fasting Law The

I thought so, three days without water is pushing it in my opinion and you are likely to starting thinking more about how dehydrated you are more than spiritual things. Like you I have done the two day complete abstinence fast, that was a challenge, but can only recommend this if you are accustomed to fasting. This may be a rather personal question, but do you have any cancers or serious medical conditions? I ask, because I know that fasting can cure many of these diseases.

The Law Of Fasting

No, I don't have any diseases that I'm aware of , however I have battled candida. So I stopped all sugar, white flour etc.. about a year ago and do regular fasts for cleansing purposes and can testify to the health benefits! I also would not recommend serious fasts to novices, but I do think everyone should become experts at it, as, if we wait for bad circumstances(like illness) to occur before we, desperately perform a fast, it's like being compelled to be humble. This is just my opinion, of course, but I think we should work hard at this as well as all the laws of God BEFORE we are compelled.

The Law Fasting - Page 2

That is very good advice. This Thread actually reminds me to be in the mode of doing this again as I lost the routine of regular fasting and need to get back in the swing of things.

The Law Fasting Mormon Doctrine Studies - Page 2

These longer Fasts (three days or more) seem excessive to me, and I am not sure their is any extra blessings for going that long without food.

From the Church Web site.

I would suggest care by individuals who are pregnant( there were times during my wifess pregnancy where she was not able to fast at the recommendation of her DR.) and to those who have other illnesses. Be careful, as the Lord does not desire to completely ignore our bodies to the destruction of that body, because of a desire to draw closer to God.

Man does not live by bread alone, but he does live by bread.