It is significant that Esther initiated a community fast before she confronted the king about Haman’s decree. Fasting is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ and has always been a means of developing or enhancing spiritual sensitivity. Besides a voluntary abstinence from food and drink, a proper fast should include fervent prayer, contemplation, soul searching, and other activities that invite the Lord’s spirit. Discuss these concepts. Indicate that fasting was important to Old Testament peoples and that they practiced it. It remains an important gospel principle today.

Ask the students if they can think of any instances in the Old Testament of individuals or peoples fasting. Supplement their choices by selecting some examples from Exodus 34:28; Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6; 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12; 3:35; Psalm 35:13–14; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Isaiah 58:3–12; Jeremiah 14:11–12; Ezra 8:21–23; Daniel 9:3; Jonah 3:5; Joel 1:14.

Fasting is an important aid in gaining spiritual strength, correcting spiritual ailments, and developing peace of mind. Ask students how they can gain the most from fasting. Conclude by reading and discussing the quotation from President Ezra Taft Benson in the October 1974 Conference Report, page 92, which deals with overcoming despair; President Benson listed fasting as one of a dozen ways to lift our spirits.

Students should understand that the Brethren discourage fasting longer than twenty-four hours.