Brief summary

Elder Ulisses Soares teaches that fasting is much more than abstaining from food: it is a sacred act of worship that brings us closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. When fasting is combined with sincere prayer, humility and generosity, it strengthens our faith, helps us receive personal revelation and prepares us to accept the Lord’s will.

Drawing on the Saviour’s example of fasting and prayer, Elder Soares explains that fasting does not necessarily remove our difficulties or produce the answers we expect. Instead, it can give us spiritual strength to overcome trials, endure hardships and trust more fully in God’s wisdom.

Key quotes and questions to ponder or discuss

‘Fasting, when observed with joy and joined with prayer and generosity, brings sweeter communion with the Lord and a deeper, more personal connection with Him.’ (Paragraph 13)

What is the difference between simply going without food and making fasting an act of worship?

‘A sincere and faithful fast is accompanied by earnest and intentional prayer. As we lift our hearts to the Lord in humility, fasting becomes an expression of our desire to draw near to Him, communicate the true desires of our hearts, and understand His will for us.’ (Paragraph 7)

How could we make our prayers during a fast more sincere, specific and meaningful?

‘Adopting this holy pattern of fasting is more than a physical test of restraint or a petition for specific blessings. It is an elevating expression of faith and trust in the Lord through which our hearts can be filled with rejoicing as we commune with Him more deeply. It is a way to align our desires with His purposes, and our expectations with His wisdom.’ (Paragraph 9)

Am I fasting only for a particular answer, or also to align my heart with God’s will?

‘Through this holy law, the Lord also invites us to look beyond ourselves and turn our hearts toward His children. Isaiah taught that an acceptable fast helps us “to let the oppressed go free” and to “break every yoke.”’ (Paragraph 10)

How can my fasting help the oppressed go free?

‘Though our fast offerings may seem small and simple, they become consecrated expressions of compassion, concern, and service. As we give generously—not only for the benefit of those in need but also as an expression of our love for the Lord and our commitment to His work—we consecrate both our means and our time to Him.’ (Paragraph 12)

How is our fast offering an expression of our love for the Lord?

‘I promise, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that miracles will come into your life. You will draw nearer to the Savior, receive strength to overcome your weaknesses, and become more sensitive to the needs of others. Through this divinely appointed practice, the Lord will sanctify us and pour His Spirit and blessings more abundantly into our lives.’ (Paragraph 14)

‘Therefore, this morning, from the bottom of my heart, I testify of the sanctifying spiritual power that flows into our lives as we seek to live this law in a higher and holier way. This divine pattern of devotion brings strength, guidance, peace, and divine help to sustain us throughout our mortal journey.’ (Paragraph 1)

Have you seen the power of fasting?

Invitation

‘My dear friends, I invite you to prayerfully ponder Isaiah’s teachings and more intentionally embrace the divine purpose of the law of the fast in a higher and holier way as part of our worship.’ (Paragraph 14)

Application

A higher and holier fast may be reflected in a greater willingness to accept God’s will, a more generous offering or a renewed determination to serve someone.

You can watch Elder Soares’ talk here.

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