Seminary
Lesson 126: Isaiah 58:1–12—The Power of Fasting and Prayer
a woman praying

Isaiah 58–66: Lesson 126

Isaiah 58:1–12

The Power of Fasting and Prayer

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Everyone wants to be seen and acknowledged for their efforts. The Israelites struggled when their efforts to fast went seemingly unnoticed. Through Isaiah, the Lord taught the people about fasting and how our intentions matter. This lesson can help you desire to fast in the Lord’s way.

Study the Scriptures

a young woman and a young man sitting at a table in a kitchen

Sunday breakfast played out like it had so many times before. As Chari enjoyed the first bite of her cereal, her mom shouted from the other room, “Don’t forget, it’s fast Sunday!”

Chari sighed as she slumped forward in her chair. Gunther looked at his sister and laughed as he put his bowl back in the cupboard.

“If it makes you feel better, I forgot too,” he said. “But I fell asleep early last night, so I guess I’m, like, halfway done.”

“I can’t believe she told me right after I took my first bite,” Chari said. “Do you think it will still count if I just stop eating right now, or do I have to start all over?”

What do you think Chari and Gunther misunderstand about fasting?

Take a moment to ponder how you feel about fasting as you reflect on the following question:

  • What concerns or questions do you have about fasting?

As you study today, seek the Lord’s guidance to help with any concerns you have and to feel a desire to fast.

The Lord directed Isaiah to boldly declare the sins of the house of Israel. For example, they outwardly performed religious practices, including fasting, with the wrong intent.

mark iconRead Isaiah 58:3–5. Mark answers to these two questions:

  • How were the Israelites’ attitudes like Chari and Gunther’s?

  • What did the Lord tell the people they had done incorrectly regarding their fast?

Note: “Bulrush” (verse 5) is a tall, thin grass that droops. “Sackcloth” (verse 5) is coarse material that people wore anciently to symbolize their humility or sorrow. They also sprinkled ashes over themselves for the same reason.

doctrinal mastery iconIsaiah 58:6–7 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider tagging doctrinal mastery passages with the topic they teach so you can find them easily later. Memorize the reference and key scripture phrase, “the blessings of a proper fast.” Write the reference and key phrase five times in your notebook. Say the reference and key phrase out loud as you do.

note icon Next to Isaiah 58:6, create a note that says, “If I fast in the way the Lord intends, then …” Then read Isaiah 58:6–12. Use the verses to mark words or phrases that complete the sentence. For example, based on Isaiah 58:6, you might finish the phrase like this: “If I fast the way the Lord intends, then He will help loose the bands of wickedness.”

The Savior taught about fasting while also living the principle Himself. He fasted before His earthly ministry (see Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1–2 [in Matthew 4:1, footnote a, and Matthew 4:2, footnote c]). He also taught that some evil influences only depart “by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:19, 21).

If available, you might watch “Fast Offerings: A Simple Commandment with a Marvelous Promise” (3:01). Look for truths President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency teaches as he tells of a woman’s experience with fast offerings in Sierra Leone during a war.

3:2

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

How does the Lord want me to fast?

While the Lord commands us to fast, He wants us to do it differently from how the Israelites in Isaiah 58 or Chari and Gunther from the opening story fasted. He intends that we fast with a humble attitude, purpose, and real intent.

tag icon Choose three or more passages to study, looking for what you learn about the Lord’s way of fasting. Tag each passage as “fasting.”

Option B

How can fasting bless my life?

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught:

President Gordon B. Hinckley

What would happen if the principles of fast day and the fast offering were observed throughout the world[?] The hungry would be fed, the naked clothed, the homeless sheltered. … A new measure of concern and unselfishness would grow in the hearts of people everywhere. (“The State of the Church,” Ensign, May 1991, 52–53)

To help you better understand the blessings of fasting, select one or two of the following situations:

  • A young man is stressed out about his schoolwork and his future.

  • A young woman feels like she can never be clean again because of her sins.

  • A young man is praying to know if the Church is true but is struggling to receive an answer.

  • A young man faces a challenge he doesn’t know if he can overcome.

notebook iconCreate a response using one or more phrases from Isaiah 58:6–12 or from the quotes that might motivate the person in the situation to fast and pray for God’s help. Record your response in your notebook.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you desire to fast in the Lord’s way.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • What you learned from your study about fasting in the Lord’s way.

  • The situation you chose and how the phrase you found in Isaiah might help motivate the person.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?