Now Abides Hunger

Today is fast Sunday which means that worldwide, members of the Church go without two meals (about 24 hours without food or water) and donate the value of those meals to what's called Fast Offerings, which is then used to aid the poor and needy.

Why fast?
The fast helps me to draw away from the world and focus on more spiritual things, allowing me to come closer to Christ and to God (see Isaiah 58 for some really great doctrine on the fast). It is a form of mighty prayer that allows some great exercise of faith.

The fast makes me hungry: it allows me to feel more of what people in need actually feel every day, helping me to be more generous in my offerings and charity, and helping me to remember that we are equals.

So what am I fasting for?
1) I am praying/fasting for my boss; I just found out that his job has been eliminated and his boss is being retired. That's kind of frightening for him as well as for me, which leads me to 2.
2) I'm fasting for myself and my other co-workers that we can keep our jobs. The economy's been bad for insurance (as well as everything) which means downsizing
3) I'm fasting for two of my co-workers so they can pass upcoming Actuarial exams (or at least that they're minds will be quickened so they can remember what they've studied/learned, etc.)

Overall, it is a wonderful experience of putting God's will above your own, submitting the flesh to the spirit, mighty prayer (each time I get hungry I try to pray/remember my purpose in fasting), and a beautiful way to remember and help the poor.

I remember when the Tsunami hit in 2004, the Church held a special fast asking members to pray for the victims and donate generous fast offerings. All of the money went to helping those in need from the Tsunami.