Below you will find diary entries on the topic of “Fasting.” You can view other subjects here.
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Wed., 14 Mar., 1962:
“[First Presidency Meeting] Fasting–Twenty-four Hour
We considered the article by the Presiding Bishopric which is to appear in the Deseret News and the Improvement Era about a twenty-four hour fast, and I expressed it as the fast extending from the evening meal on Saturday to the evening meal on Sunday. I said, ‘I think I would not change it from the original–fron the evening meal Saturday to the meal following fast meeting.'”
Fri., 16 Mar., 1962:
“8:30 a.m.
Went into the meeting of the First Presidency. Among many other matters discussed at this meeting, we considered again the statement on fasting for publication in the Improvement Era. Bishop Brown of the Presiding Bishopric presented for review the proposed wording of a statement about fasting, which is desired for publication in the Improvement Era.
Bishop Vandenberg said: “Fasting is refraining from two consecutive meals.”
After consideration, President Brown said, “That is all we need to say,” and I agreed that this is so.
Bishop Vandenberg said that it is a positive statement, and it leaves it optional.
Fri., 8 Feb. 1963:
“Testimony Meeting and Fast Offerings
The Presiding Bishopric presented to me a statement that they had prepared which they are recommending to be used in the handbook of instructions which goes to bishops and stake presidents regarding Fast Meeting and Fast Offerings.
Among other statements in the article was one to the effect that the true observance of the fast should consist of refraining from food for two consecutive meals, and that the equivalent of two meals should be paid as fast offerings.
I stated that we should start putting in the minds of stake and ward officials the idea that we are to pay our fast offerings, tithing, take care of missionary work and building contributions, and that if this is done other expenses will be taken care of by the Church. Bishop Vandenberg said that the Presiding Bishopric are looking up figures on the basis of operating expenses, and that they would bring a report indicating how much the tithing would need to be increased to take care of these other expenses.
I indicated my approval of the statement as prepared.”
Thurs., 5 Mar. 1964:
“Fasting – Drinking Water Is Not a Violation of the Fast
A letter was read which presented the question as to whether or not fasting includes abstaining from drinking water. Answers to the question were considered. The answer which has been sent out from the office of the First Presidency stated that the Church has no hard and fast rule on the subject or on the length of the fast, or as to whether or not water should be taken during the fast, but that water should not be taken at that time. However, there is no hard and fast rule. A letter signed by my secretary, Clare Middlemiss, was read which stated that drinking water is not a violation of the fast. I expressed approval of the statement that there is no hard and fast rule, and that drinking water is not a violation of the fast.
Thurs., 1 July 1965:
“8:30 a.m.
Held a meeting with my counselors – the following were among the items we discussed:
Fasting – A Proper Fast
We gave further consideration today to the matter of what instruction should be given regarding the observance of the Fast. Reference was made to instructions heretofore given that it was not necessary to abstain from drinking water. Attention was also called to items in the minutes of the Council Meetings held November 19, 1909 and June 29, 1922, in which meetings it was reported that the Brethren of the Council, in expressing themselves in regard to this matter, had agreed that there was nothing in the revelations indicating the duration of the Fast, and that the evident meaning of the Fast is to abstain from eating and drinking, and it has normally been considered that a proper Fast consists of refraining from eating two meals on Fast Day, and the Fast is usually broken after the Fast Meeting.
The letter continued by quoting from President Joseph F. Smith as follows: ‘It is more important to obtain the true spirit of love for God and man, ‘purity of heart and simplicity of intention’, than it is to carry out the cold letter of the law. The Lord has instituted the Fast on a reasonable and intelligent basis, and none of His works are vain or unwise…but let it be remembered that the observance of the Fast Day by abstaining twenty-four hours from food and drink is not an absolute rule, it is no iron-clad law to us, but it is left with the people as a matter of conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion.’
The Fast – In Observing of We Should Refrain from Eating and Drinking
I stated that in thinking about this subject, it had come to me quite clearly this morning that in observing the Fast Day, we should refrain from eating two meals and that a proper Fast is to refrain from eating and drinking.
Spiritual Element in Fasting
I further stated that in considering the practice of Fasting, the spiritual element of Fasting and Prayer should go together with the Fast itself.”
Wed., 7 July 1965:
“8:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Held a meeting with my Counselors. Among matters discussed during this time were:
Fasting – A Proper Fast
We read an item from the meeting of the First Presidency which we held Thursday, July 1, 1965, regarding a proper Fast, in which we ruled that in observing Fast Day, we should refrain from eating two meals, and that a proper Fast is to abstain from eating and drinking; also, that in considering the practice of fasting, the spiritual element of fasting and prayer should accompany the Fast.
We again indicated our approval of the statement in these minutes. (See diary of July 1, 1965.)
Tues., 25 Jan. 1966:
“8:30 a.m.
Met with Presidents Tanner and Smith. Presidents Brown and Isaacson were absent because of illness. We were busy for the next two hours going over correspondence covering matters pertaining to the Church, among them being:
Fasting – Proper Fast
It was mentioned that the General Authorities are asking for a letter from the First Presidency indicating their attitude toward the observance of the fast. There was read to us an excerpt from a letter dated May 20, 1963, addressed to President Hugh F. Webb of the Salem Stake, which excerpt met with our unanimous approval. It was decided to submit to the General Authorities a copy of this statement for their information and guidance. The statement reads as follows:
‘There is nothing in the revelations indicating the duration of the fast, the accepted meaning of the fast being to abstain from eating and drinking. It has normally been considered that a proper fast consists of refraining from eating two meals on fast day, and in practice the fast is usually broken after the Fast meeting.
President Joseph F. Smith, in discussing this subject as contained in Gospel Doctrine, made this statement: ‘It is more important to obtain the true spirit of love for God and man, ‘purity of heart and simplicity of intention’, than it is to carry out the cold letter of the law. The Lord has instituted the fast on a reasonable and intelligent basis, and none of His works are vain or unwise … but let it be remembered that the observance of the fast day by abstaining twenty-four hours from food and drink is not an absolute rule; it is no iron-clad law to us, but it is left with the people as a matter of conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion.'”