Lord, Accept Our Humble Fast

Text and music: Nathan P. Howe; original language: English

In 2008, Nathan Howe was a first-year music teacher and a new father. He was anxious about his developing career, a global financial crisis, and how to support his young family. He would often ask himself, “Am I doing the right thing? Is my effort acceptable to God?” Fasting and prayer were important in his life as he wrestled with these questions.

On Sundays he would often outline song ideas and short texts. At school, between classes, he would work through some of those ideas on the piano in his classroom. He wrote this hymn during this time.

Reflecting on the hymn’s purpose, Brother Howe shared, “This hymn is a prayer that God will accept our efforts. That includes our time, talents, personal devotion, and charitable giving. What we are able to offer varies throughout our lives, but the spirit in which we offer it matters most.”

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Scriptures

Principles

Sincere prayer and fasting help strengthen us against temptation and prepare us to receive the Lord’s guidance.
Giving our time to the Lord by serving others is one way we consecrate our lives to Him.
The Lord promises temporal and spiritual blessings to those who obey His laws of fasting and tithing.

Questions to Ponder

When has fasting or paying fast offerings helped you see the Lord’s hand in your life or in the lives of others?
In what ways have you or people you know been blessed for paying tithing?
What do you think it means to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Identify different kinds of offerings. After singing all the verses of the hymn, review the different types of offerings mentioned in the lyrics: fasting, having a broken heart and contrite spirit, paying tithing, and giving service. Share with your children how each offering helps us draw closer to the Savior and bless others.
Teach about fasting and fast offerings. Sing or listen to the first verse of the hymn with your children. Explain to them that fasting is only part of the Lord’s law of the fast. This law also includes giving fast offerings, which are used to help people in need. Help your children understand that when we obey the law of the fast, we are blessed and we also help to bless others. You could share about a time when fasting has blessed you or someone you love. End by singing the first verse again to reinforce what you have learned.
Make plans to serve others. Have your family sit in a circle, with one person standing in the middle. As you listen to the fourth verse of the hymn, have the person in the middle slowly spin around. When the word “plan” is sung, this person should stop and point to someone in the circle. That person should share one way they can serve someone during the week, then take their turn in the middle. Repeat until everyone has had a turn.

Talk together about what it means for our offerings to be magnified. You might use a magnifying glass to help children visualize how small efforts can be enlarged with the Lord’s help. Sing the verse again, encouraging your children to sing as many words from memory as they can. Invite family members to choose one thing they will do to serve someone this week.