The Temple Within: Understanding the Sacred Power of Fasting

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to gather in this sacred work, we are always looking for ways to deepen our discipleship—ways to feel closer to the Spirit and more prepared for the day the Savior returns. Sometimes, the best preparation doesn't come from reading more scriptures or attending another meeting; sometimes, it comes from quiet, intentional discipline.

I was recently reflecting on the deep teachings surrounding fasting. It’s a practice that seems simple on the surface—abstaining from food—but the spiritual depth beneath it is vast. It’s easy to treat our bodies like they are just vehicles for our souls, but the Lord has given us a much higher calling.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I fast? How long? Is it really spiritual?”—you are asking the right questions. These are the kinds of practical questions that help us move from simply *knowing* about the gospel to actually *living* the gospel in our daily lives.

Honoring the Temple: More Than Just Food

One of the most crucial shifts in perspective we need to make, especially as we become more comfortable with the doctrines of the restored gospel, is how we view our physical selves. Too often, we treat our bodies as something to be endured, or even something to be shed. But the scriptures remind us, and the Spirit testifies, that our bodies are sacred. Remember the words from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Know ye not that your bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost which is in you... therefore glorify God in your body.”

When we understand that Jesus Christ purchased our *entire* selves—spirit, soul, and body—we are prompted to treat that temple with reverence. Fasting, when approached correctly, is a powerful way to refocus our minds and bodies back to that divine purpose.

When we look at the pattern, we see a beautiful parallel between prayer and fasting, as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Both require focus, both require discipline, and both draw us closer to the Father. It’s not just about the physical act; it’s about the *spiritual* abstaining.

This isn't just for times of great crisis. Just as we maintain regular patterns of prayer, we should strive for regular, measured fasting habits. But we also need to be ready for those times when the Spirit whispers, “Today, sister, let’s fast together,” or, “Brother, let’s fast individually for this specific testimony.”

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Intentionality

If you are feeling the pull toward service—whether you are preparing for a mission, serving in your local ward, or simply engaging in your daily life as an Internet missionary—I want to leave you with this thought: Intentionality. Don't let your spiritual disciplines become rote or automatic. When you fast, ask yourself: *What specific spiritual muscle am I trying to strengthen right now? Am I seeking better focus for my study? Am I seeking deeper empathy for my investigator?*

This level of self-awareness is what elevates the practice from mere habit to true discipleship. It’s how we learn to be Christlike in the small moments.

I highly recommend diving into the resources available in LivingBook. If you are studying the scriptures, take some time in the HolyPlaces section to see how others are applying these principles in a social scripture study setting. Sometimes seeing how others are wrestling with the same concepts can unlock a new level of understanding.

For those of us who are newly returned missionaries, or who are currently in the trenches of missionary preparation, I know the feeling of needing that extra spiritual boost. If you're ready to dig deeper into the *how* and *why* of these disciplines, I invite you to join our next online gathering. We’ll be discussing specific techniques for integrating spiritual disciplines into a busy modern life.

If you want a refresher on the core principles, I found this article on Iron Rod’s website really helpful—it’s a great read for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of covenant keeping.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's keep honoring those temples!