Fasting

Scripture
Print off the fridge and steps to fasting. Glue them back to back so that when you
open the front of the fridge you can read the steps inside. Laminate it. Then use
the fridge hand out and talk to your child about what fasting entails and when we
fast. Whether your child is fasting or not you can print off the stop signs below,
cut them out, laminate them and put a magnet on the back. Place them on the
fridge to help your family members remember it is fast Sunday.
                              

It’s Time to FAST It’s Time to FAST

 
 
 

             
It’s Time to FAST It’s Time to FAST
Story 
Print off and laminate the story. Read it with your child and talk about the
blessings of fasting.
 B Y W E N DY E L L I S O N
(Based on experiences of the author’s family)

Continue in fasting and praying (Omni 1:26). “A fast!” I gasped.

didn’t know as much about fasting when I was
seven as I do now that I’m eight. Oh, I knew
what fasting was, but I didn’t really understand
what it meant until one day when my parents
called a family meeting.
“Grandma will be having surgery, and she needs our
help,” Mom explained. “Your aunts and uncles and all
of your cousins who are old enough will join us in a
special fast.”
I love Grandma and really wanted to help her, but I’m
a growing boy. Eating is one of my favorite things to do.
It’s hard for me to go without food for two minutes, so I
didn’t know if I could go without two whole meals!
Couldn’t I send Grandma a get-well card or visit her at
the hospital? I would even weed her garden. That would
be as good as fasting, wouldn’t it?
“Who would like to join our fast?” Mom asked.
Both of my sisters raised their hands. “Sure,” I

44
 stomach started to grumble. I grumbled, too.
“Dad, I don’t think I can wait until tomorrow to
eat,” I moaned.
Dad is pretty smart. He says things in a way I
can understand.
“Son, I know it’s difficult for a boy like you to
fast,” Dad said. “But Heavenly Father has told us
that fasting is a good way to receive extra help. We
hope that if we show faith in Him by fasting
and praying, He’ll bless
Grandma to have a successful
surgery and get well. Do you
think you can try something
thought, “it’s easier for them. They have for me?”
more practice.” Of course Mom and Dad “If I have the strength,” I
would fast, too. They’ve been fasting for so mumbled.
long they’re practically experts. My brother “Whenever you feel hungry,
wouldn’t have to fast because he’s only two. think of the reasons you’re
“When would we start?” I asked. fasting. Remember Grandma.
“Tomorrow night,” Dad replied. “Grandma’s surgery If you do, I believe you’ll be
is scheduled for the next morning. We’ll close our fast at able to make it to the end of
dinner that night.” the fast.”
I thought carefully. Watching all my classmates go to The next day I tried what Dad said.
lunch without me would be tough. Every time my stomach growled, I thought about
Then I remembered some of the great things Grandma and how much I wanted Heavenly Father to
Grandma does for me. She always gives me treats from bless her. It wasn’t easy, but I made it all the way to the
her cookie jar. She gives the best hugs, and she prays end, just like my dad said. Even though I was hungry, I
for me. Swallowing hard, I raised my hand. felt good inside.
“Good,” Mom said with a smile. “I’m glad you’re all Everything worked out OK. Grandma is better, and
willing.” she still has treats for me in her cookie jar. After her sur-
Before we started our fast gery, people did lots of
the next evening, my things to help her get bet-
family gathered for prayer “If we want our fasting to be more than just ter, like bringing her dinner
and asked Heavenly going without eating, we must lift our hearts, and stopping by to visit. I
Father to bless Grandma. our minds, and our voices in communion even made her a get-well
with our Heavenly Father. Fasting, coupled
For a while after din- card. But in my heart I know
with mighty prayer, is powerful.”
ner I was fine, especially if that nothing helped as much
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of
I didn’t look at the food the Twelve Apostles, “The Law of the Fast,” as fasting for Grandma. ●
Ensign, May 2001, 73.
in our pantry. But after a Wendy Ellison is a member of the
Kaysville 14th Ward, Kaysville Utah
couple of hours, my South Stake.

ILLUSTRATED BY MARK ROBISON F R I E N D MAY 2004 45

Activity
Print off the sticks, color them, cut them out and laminate them. Place them in a
bowl or jar and have your child draw them out one at a time. Talk about the
question and answer. When they pick a story time stick then choose one of the 4
scriptures below. Read the scripture and make sure your child understands the
story and events.

Ezra 8:heading, Ezra 8:21–24, 28–31 Ezra and his

people fasted and prayed for guidance in taking temple
treasures to Jerusalem from Babylon. They were delivered
from the hands of enemies and thieves and arrived safely in
Jerusalem.

Dan. 6:16–23 When King Darius was tricked into throwing

Daniel into the lions’ den, he fasted all night for Daniel, and
Daniel’s life was spared.

Alma 17:2–3 The sons of Mosiah were valiant and powerful

missionaries because of fasting and prayer.

Matt. 4:1–11, including footnotes 1b, 2c, 5a, 6a, 8a Jesus

fasted for 40 days as He prepared Himself for His great
ministry. He was able to withstand Satan’s temptations and
was ministered to by angels.