How to Effectively Fast

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By lgwriter
eHow Contributing Writer

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Fasting is something members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do to strengthen themselves spiritually. The process includes voluntarily going without food or drink for a chosen period of time.

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Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Scriptures to reference

Step 1

Whether you are fasting for Fast Sunday (the first Saturday of the month where church members fast as a whole) or for personal reasons, you must first pray on your own to start the fast.
Step 2

Decide how long you will be abstaining from food or drink. Most members fast for two consecutive meals, but it is up to you how long you will fast.
Step 3

During your fast, read your scriptures and pray. This will help you gain spiritual strength or guidance if you are fasting for help on something.
Step 4

If you are fasting on Sunday, make sure to attend Sacrament Meeting and partake of the sacrament. And don't forget to pay your fast offering, which is a monetary donation equivalent to the amount of money that you would have used for your meals. This offering goes into a fast offering fund that is used to help members in need.
Step 5

When you are done with your fast, you "break it" with a prayer, then you can reflect on your experience.

Tips & Warnings

Don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member to fast with you. Strength comes in numbers.
Journal your thoughts and reflections during the process.
Share your testimony with others.
If you are pregnant or have a health condition, do not fast with out first consulting your doctor. While fasting is an important spiritual tool, there are other ways you can build spirituality if you are unable to fast.