In a world marked by constant consumption, speed, and comfort, the idea of voluntarily going without food—even briefly—can seem unusual or unnecessary. This is why many people notice and wonder why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fast once a month. What purpose does this practice serve, and why is it done so regularly?
For Latter-day Saints, fasting is not about endurance, self-punishment, or religious display. It is a spiritual discipline rooted in humility, prayer, compassion, and trust in God. Once each month, members voluntarily abstain from food and drink for two consecutive meals, usually over a 24-hour period, while focusing on prayer and service.
This monthly practice, often referred to as Fast Sunday, is designed to help individuals step away from physical comfort and refocus on spiritual priorities. It is an invitation to listen more closely to God, develop empathy for those in need, and strengthen faith in Jesus Christ. For Latter-day Saints, fasting is not an isolated ritual but a meaningful part of discipleship that shapes both personal spirituality and community life.
Understanding why Mormons fast once a month requires exploring biblical teachings, the example of Jesus Christ, the role of sacrifice, the importance of service, and the belief that spiritual growth often comes through intentional acts of humility.
Biblical Roots of Fasting
Fasting is one of the oldest spiritual practices found in scripture. Throughout the Bible, fasting is associated with prayer, repentance, guidance, and devotion to God. Latter-day Saints see their monthly fasting as a continuation of this long-standing biblical tradition rather than a modern invention.
Prophets in the Old Testament fasted during times of crisis, repentance, and decision-making. Individuals fasted to seek God’s help, express dependence on Him, and demonstrate sincerity in their prayers. These examples form the foundation for how Latter-day Saints understand fasting today.
In the New Testament, fasting remains an important spiritual discipline. Early Christians fasted as they sought guidance from God and prepared for important spiritual responsibilities. Latter-day Saints believe these biblical patterns show that fasting has always been part of sincere worship.
Jesus Christ and Fasting
Jesus Christ Himself fasted. Before beginning His public ministry, He fasted for forty days in the wilderness. This experience demonstrated self-control, reliance on God, and spiritual preparation.
Jesus also taught His followers how to fast properly. He emphasized sincerity rather than outward appearance, teaching that fasting should be done quietly and humbly rather than as a public display of righteousness. Latter-day Saints see this teaching as central to their approach to fasting.
A Private Act of Devotion
Following Christ’s instruction, fasting among Latter-day Saints is meant to be personal and sincere. While the practice is shared as a community, the spiritual focus remains individual. Each person fasts for their own reasons, prayers, and needs, seeking a closer relationship with God.
Why Fasting Happens Once a Month
Latter-day Saints fast once a month because they believe regular, consistent spiritual discipline strengthens faith. Monthly fasting creates a rhythm of worship that encourages reflection, humility, and service.
Rather than fasting only during emergencies or crises, members believe regular fasting helps keep spiritual priorities in focus. It serves as a monthly reminder that life is not sustained by material things alone, but by reliance on God.
This consistency also helps fasting become a meaningful habit rather than an occasional reaction to difficulty.
Purpose of Monthly Fasting
Fasting serves multiple spiritual purposes in Latter-day Saint belief. While individual reasons may vary, several core purposes are widely emphasized.
Drawing Closer to God
One of the primary reasons Latter-day Saints fast is to draw closer to God. Temporarily setting aside physical needs helps individuals become more aware of spiritual needs.
Many members describe fasting as a time when prayers feel more focused and sincere. Hunger becomes a reminder to turn thoughts toward God and seek His guidance.
Seeking Answers and Guidance
Fasting is often paired with specific prayers. Members may fast to seek answers to questions, direction for decisions, comfort during trials, or strength to face challenges.
While fasting does not guarantee immediate answers, Latter-day Saints believe it creates spiritual openness and sensitivity that makes it easier to recognize God’s guidance.
Developing Spiritual Sensitivity
Many Latter-day Saints believe fasting increases spiritual awareness. By temporarily quieting physical desires, individuals feel more attuned to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
This increased sensitivity helps members reflect more deeply on their lives, their choices, and their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Strength Through Sacrifice
Fasting is a small but intentional sacrifice. Latter-day Saints believe small sacrifices build spiritual strength and resilience over time.
Choosing to fast teaches self-discipline, patience, and trust in God. It reinforces the idea that spiritual growth often comes through willing sacrifice rather than convenience.
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer are closely connected in Latter-day Saint belief. Fasting without prayer is seen as incomplete. The spiritual power of fasting comes from combining physical restraint with sincere communication with God.
During Fast Sunday, members are encouraged to spend extra time in prayer, focusing on gratitude, repentance, and specific needs. Prayer during fasting is meant to be thoughtful and deliberate rather than rushed.
This combination reinforces reliance on God rather than self-sufficiency.
Fast Offerings and Service
One of the most distinctive aspects of monthly fasting among Latter-day Saints is the practice of fast offerings. Money saved by skipping meals is donated to help those in need.
These donations are used to provide food, shelter, medical assistance, and other support for individuals and families facing hardship. This practice connects fasting directly to service and compassion.
Caring for the Poor
Fasting is not meant to be a purely personal experience. Latter-day Saints believe true fasting includes caring for others.
By donating fast offerings, members are reminded that hunger and need are daily realities for many people. This fosters empathy and responsibility toward the poor and vulnerable.
Fast offerings are administered locally, allowing help to reach those in the community who need it most.
Fasting and Community Worship
Once a month, Latter-day Saints participate in a worship service known as fast and testimony meeting. During this service, members may voluntarily share brief expressions of faith, gratitude, or testimony of Jesus Christ.
This practice creates a sense of unity and shared spiritual experience. Members hear one another’s faith journeys and are reminded that spiritual struggles and blessings are shared within the community.
Fasting thus becomes both a personal and communal act of worship.
Agency and Individual Adaptation
A common misunderstanding is that fasting is practiced in a rigid or harmful way. Latter-day Saints emphasize that fasting should be adapted to individual circumstances.
Those with health conditions, medical needs, or other limitations are encouraged to modify or abstain from fasting as needed. The purpose is spiritual growth, not physical harm.
Children, the elderly, and those with specific health concerns are not expected to fast in the same way as healthy adults.
Fasting Is Voluntary
Although fasting is encouraged, it is ultimately a voluntary act. Latter-day Saints believe God values willing devotion rather than forced obedience.
This emphasis on choice aligns with the broader belief in agency. Fasting is meaningful only when done freely and sincerely.
Fasting and Jesus Christ
At the center of fasting is Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints believe fasting helps them rely more fully on Him.
Hunger becomes a reminder of spiritual dependence on Christ. Fasting encourages humility and gratitude for the Savior’s sacrifice.
Members believe fasting helps align their lives more closely with Christ’s teachings of compassion, service, and trust in God.
Fasting Does Not Earn Blessings
Another misunderstanding is that fasting automatically produces blessings. Latter-day Saints believe blessings come according to God’s will, not as a guaranteed reward for fasting.
Fasting invites spiritual growth and opens the heart to God’s influence, but it does not manipulate divine outcomes. This perspective keeps fasting focused on faith rather than transaction.
Emotional and Mental Benefits
Beyond spiritual purposes, many Latter-day Saints report emotional and mental benefits from fasting. These include increased mindfulness, gratitude, and emotional clarity.
Fasting can create space for reflection, helping individuals step back from routine distractions and reassess priorities.
Teaching Children About Fasting
Families often introduce children to fasting gradually. Parents teach that fasting is about empathy, prayer, and caring for others rather than strict rules.
This approach helps children understand fasting as a positive, meaningful practice rather than an obligation.
Fasting in a Modern World
In a culture that often prioritizes instant gratification, fasting stands as a countercultural practice. Latter-day Saints believe this contrast helps reinforce spiritual discipline and intentional living.
Fasting teaches that not every desire needs immediate satisfaction, fostering patience and self-awareness.
Common Misunderstandings
Some believe fasting is extreme or outdated. Latter-day Saints view it as timeless and deeply human—a way to reconnect with God and others.
Others think fasting is about appearing righteous. Members emphasize that true fasting is inward and humble, not performative.
Why This Belief Matters
Monthly fasting matters because it shapes how Latter-day Saints live their faith. It encourages humility, gratitude, service, and reliance on God.
It reminds members that spiritual life requires intention and sacrifice. It connects personal devotion with community care.
For believers, fasting strengthens faith, deepens prayer, and reinforces compassion for others.
A Broader Christian Perspective
Fasting has been practiced by Christians for centuries. Latter-day Saints see their practice as part of this broader Christian tradition.
They believe fasting helps keep discipleship active and intentional rather than passive.
An Invitation
Latter-day Saints invite others to learn about fasting not as a rule, but as an invitation to draw closer to God.
They believe sincere fasting can deepen faith, increase compassion, and strengthen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Fasting
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Doctrine and Covenants Central – Fasting and Prayer
https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org
Scripture Central
https://scripturecentral.org
Church News – Fast Sunday
https://www.thechurchnews.com
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