24 hour fasting?

Question

My in-laws (to-be) are Mormon, and recently my fiancé's sister's hubby was diagnosed with a staff infection. The doctors are saying that unless they're able to do something soon, they may have to amputate his leg. My fiancé's mom called early this morning asking for prayer and fasting. Because she knows I'm Pagan, she also requested that I do "whatever it is I do" to help. I'm very close with my in-laws, so I’m fasting for 24 hours along with them.

Although it is not something my religion entails, it's not me I'm doing it for; it's for my brother - and my sister, and their family. So I imagine that (in addition to some health spells) the least I can do is offer my best shot, and I know that they'll appreciate it.

My question is, what does fasting have to do with anything? It seems illogical to me to deny one's body necessary nourishment to help a loved one (in this manner, anyway). I'm doing well so far, but perhaps understanding its significance better would help.

Please, no negative comments. I’d just like someone to explain this practice in more detail for me. Thank you.

Answer 1

Pinky, yours is a good question. Fasting helps bring the individual spiritually closer to the God in Whom we believe. We fast on the first Sunday of each month, giving up at least two meals and the cost of them with our tithing.

Fasting, other than those suffering from diabetes or other health issues, is good for the body because toxins are removed physically while the mind grows spiritually closer to Deity.

Understanding your beliefs are different than mine (I'm Mormon too), perhaps you can offer more besides your fasting to help tune yourself with your Deity and offer words of comfort and concern for the afflicted.

The power of individual prayer is a powerful tool, done in faith, to our God. I know little of Paganism, but I believe in your belief their exists a Higher Being of sorts. Using what you believe, and the love you hold for your future in-law, I feel confident that whatever you can offer will be important.

Thank you for your concerns and your priority question.

Answer 2

Hi there, Fasting for twenty-four hours is viable however it's going to make you particularly tierd and exhausted, additionally the 30 min aerobic could now not be viable becuase you can also collaspe when you consider that of now not consuming. It is more healthy wasting weight over an extended interval of time and consuming low fats, low energy and a prime fiber nutrition. The 30 min aerobic may also be a aid in the event you comprise this into your nutrition. So please believe by way of if you're going for the 24 hour quick and make certain you're now not at university/paintings at you are going to tired of your vigor to do whatever.

Answer 3

First, fasting is a form of sacrifice. You're giving something up, and, depending on the context, are offering that in trade for something else.

Second, it's a form of purification. Short-term fasting gives the body time to get some of the toxins out - all the processed crud that we eat on a daily basis.

Third, from a mystical perspective - it actually manages to clear your mind a bit. Digesting food requires a lot of blood and energy to be tied up in the process - which tends to ground people. (Hence the whole "feasting after ritual" routine that's become common in Pagan ceremonies.) Refraining from eating for a period of time allows you to focus a bit more on what you're doing.

Good luck with your soon-to-be-brother-in-law. Those infections are never nice.

Answer 4

Fasting is like a higher form of prayer. While you fast, you not only pray, but you are also doing a form of sacrifice. Through sacrifice we can receive blessings from God. During fasting we are also more focused on our spiritual needs than our physical needs, and this brings us closer to God. Not everyone can fast, however. This includes young children, pregnant or nursing mothers, diabetics, and so forth. These people are encouraged to sacrifice in some other way, rather than fast.

Answer 5

You have come to the right place I am LDS and just got through with a fast for a little girl who ran away. God answered my prayers she called home after no contact for 2 months.
What we believe is it puts you into more of a spiritual thought for people you fast for ,if you know people are pulling for you then his faith can make him feel better and sometimes be better and get better.Then I donate that money to the poor for the meals I didn't eat . It does help you too to concentrate on the person and for people to be more spiritual.
You should be commend for fasting what a wonderful gift to his family showing you care even though your beliefs differ.

Answer 6

Fasting is a law given to us by God and shown in example by the Savior, Jesus Christ (Luke 4:1-4). The prophet Isaiah (Is 58:8-9) said, in regards to fasting, that "then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward (rear-gaurd). Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer, Here I am..."

So, as others have said, we fast because it allows us to put our spiritual needs above our physical needs. It teaches us self-control and gives us increased sprituality. We also have faith that the Lord will hear our prayers, accept our fast, and bless us in our efforts.

We are taught to fast by, first having a purpose and dedicating our fast to God. We then abstain from food and water for 24 hours or two meals. Throughout the day we continue with our regular activities as necessary, but then try to dedicate more time to scripture study, prayer, or Christlike service. We pray frequently throughout the fast to plead with our Heavenly Father for his help. Many such situationis are beyond our ablities to cope with and we simply need his help. At the end of the fast, we typically close with a prayer. We also give the money that we would have used on the two meals to the church for the benefit of the poor. Sometimes, particularly, the first time, it may be difficult, because it actually is a sacrifice.

Good luck. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We will keep you in our prayers as well.

Answer 7

I totally agree with you, what in the world does fasting have to do with your husbands leg! I hope he gets well soon.