10 Suggestions on Improving the Spiritual Rewards of Fasting

by Victor Ludlow

1. Plan ahead, prepare your schedule so that you can start the fast properly on Saturday, and yourself spiritually so that you can be ready for the fast.
2. Have a particular purpose or goal in mind as you begin the fast. Perhaps you desire some answers to doctrinal questions, help in solving a problem, or inspiration serving others. Select one primary goal on which you would like to concentrate while you fast.
3. Start the fast with a private prayer-preferrably vocal-while you are alone on your knees. Remember, fasting without prayer is simply starving, and the Lord has not commanded us to starve ourselves.
4. Keep the Spirit; use Saturday evening as part of your fast period. Keep activities uplifting. Prepare yourself in all ways for the Sabbath.
5. Fast a full 24 hours, refraining from all food and drink, if possible. In case of health problems, fast according to your own limitations.
6. Prepare to reach your goal; study the scriptures, draft possible solutions to problems, talk with your family and home teachers, write in your journal, etc.
7. Attend all your church meetings on Sunday.
8. Pay a full fast offering as determined by what you feel you should contribute to help the poor and needy. (Remember Isaiah's counsel in 58:7, 10)
9. Just before concluding your fast, set aside 20-30 minutes to ponder, meditate, sort out possible solutions to a problem, etc. Read Moroni 10, especially the first 5 verses, for helpful counsel.
10. End the fast with a private prayer and be sure to take time to listen for answers.