Lesson comments: Fasting with Power

Lindy's lesson on Sunday was pretty profound, and generated some insightful discussion among the sisters. The article she referred to can be found in the April 2009 Ensign, and also online at the following link: Fasting with Power

Lindy introduced us to the idea of fasting as a principle of power.

Proper and consistent fasting
can help us to call down
the powers of heaven.

"What if there were a way to overcome our habits, addictions, and burdens? What if there were a way to gain sufficient confidence in the Lord that you could call down the powers of heaven? What if there were principles you could teach your loved ones that, if applied, would allow them to overcome personal weaknesses and draw closer to God?
As we properly understand and live the law of the fast, these desired blessings can be ours."

Lindy talked us through some key features of an effective fast, and we discussed ways to develop the faith and spiritual strength necessary to receive the blessings of fasting.

Sister Dawn bore her testimony by sharing a childhood experience: her ward in NZ fasted repeatedly for a building missionary who had been severely injured. Even the children wanted to fast because they knew there was an urgent need for divine assistance, and they wanted to help. Dawn said that she knew fasting worked because of the miraculous recovery that the missionary made.

One of the points discussed was how a 24 hour no-food-and-water fast is not appropriate in individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding or who have certain medical conditions. I appreciated comments from Sister Kristy who told us how (during her first pregnancy) she missed the spirituality of fasting, and sought her Bishop's advice. He also could not do 24 hour traditional fasts due to a medical condition, but told her that they could both still reap the spiritual blessings of fasting by choosing something they would normally have and doing without it.

One of the loveliest parts of our lesson was the scripture Isaiah 58:6-11. Some truly beautiful promises there to each of us, whatever our circumstances.