LESSON XLIV. Fasting

Questions to Lesson 44^{*What duty is the subject of this lesson? What has God manifested to those who have practiced fasting? When Daniel prayed and fasted, who was sent to him? What did the angel communicate to him? How did he state the cause of his coming? How did Jesus teach that we should fast? What did he say? When were his disciples to fast? What was Cornelius doing when an angel came to tell him his prayer was heard? In what church was fasting practiced? How did the apostles commend the churches to the Lord? How long should their example be followed?}

Another duty, which is doubtless too much neglected, is fasting. It is connected with prayer. These duties, like faith, repentance, and keeping the commandments of God, are not peculiar to this dispensation, but are common to all. God has manifested his approbation in a special manner, of those who have sought his face by fasting. At different times, when Daniel set his face to seek to God by prayer and supplications, with fasting, an angel was immediately sent to him, in answer to his prayer, to communicate the most important revelations concerning the latter days. Daniel 9:3, 20; 10:3, 11, 12.BIC 103.1

Mark the words of the angel. After informing Daniel that he was a man “greatly beloved,” he said, From the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Chap 10:12.BIC 103.2

Jesus approved of fasting by giving directions to his disciples about it. Matthew 6:16-18. He taught that they should fast, not to be seen of men, but of God. Observe the consequence of fasting in the right way. Said he, “Thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Who does not desire his rewards?BIC 103.3

The disciples of John came to Jesus and asked him why his disciples did not fast. Matthew 9:14; Mark 2:18; Luke 5:33. Jesus replied, Can ye make the children of the bride-chamber fast, while the bride-groom is with them? But the days will come when the bride-groom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. The disciples did not then fast, because Jesus was with them. After he left them, they were to fast. From this we may infer that fasting will continue during all his absence, until he returns again.BIC 104.1

Cornelius was fasting when the angel appeared to him, and told him his prayer was heard, and directed him to send for Peter, who should tell him words whereby he and all his house should be saved. Acts 10:30.BIC 104.2

Fasting was practiced in the church at Antioch, at the time when the Holy Spirit sent forth Paul and Barnabas on a most important mission. Acts 13:2. And they, in their travels, ordained elders in every church, and with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord. Chap 14:23.BIC 104.3

The example of the primitive Christians should be followed till the Bride-groom returns; then our fasting will end.BIC 104.4