Fasting and prayer are divine solutions to the sin of pride. Fasting is never complete without prayer—hence the phrase “fasting and prayer” is commonly used in relation to this principle. We are counseled to align our fast with a spiritual purpose, such as improving ourselves in righteousness, in seeking a worthy blessing, in expressing our love and gratitude, or in serving our God and our fellowman. Fasting should always be accompanied by purpose and action. We should realize the power of mighty prayer and fasting in our lives. When we pay the price of fasting and prayer, the blessings of heaven follow (see Mosiah 27:22; Alma 5:46; 13:28; 17:3; 3 Nephi 18:18).
Through fasting and prayer we can acquire Christlike qualities that will purify and sanctify our hearts as we yield our hearts to God. We show gratitude to the Lord through obedience and sacrifice. Let us think of all the Christlike attributes that we are seeking and ponder the needs of people who stand in need of our help. Our righteous desires will infuse our fasting and prayer with productive energy. Do we fast and pray to become like Christ for the welfare of others and to serve with diligence—or do we simply go without food?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie has stated the following concerning the principle of fasting and prayer:
Fasting, with prayer as its companion, is designed to increase spirituality; to foster a spirit of devotion and love of God; to increase faith in the hearts of men, thus assuring divine favor; to encourage humility and contrition of soul; to aid in the acquirement of righteousness to teach man his nothingness and dependence upon God; and to hasten those who properly comply with the law of fasting along the path to salvation.
Many specific reasons for fasting are found in the scriptures. It is a general obligation imposed by revelation upon church members in good standing. (D&C 59:13–14; 88:76; Luke 5:33–35; 2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27.) It is itself a form of the true worship of God. (Luke 2:37; Acts 9:9; Alma 45:1; 4 Nephi 12.) It is proper to fast for the sick (2 Samuel 12:16); for special blessings (Mosiah 27:22–23); to gain a testimony (Alma 5:46); to gain revelation (Alma 17:3; 3 Nephi 27:1; Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9, 18); for the conversion of nonmembers to the truth, (Alma 6:6; 17:9); for guidance in the choice of church officers (Acts 13:3); as an accompaniment of righteous mourning and sorrow (Alma 28:2–6; 30:2; Helaman 9:10); as a means of sanctifying one’s soul (Helaman 3:35); and for guidance along the path leading to salvation. (Omni 26.) Temples are houses of fasting. (D&C 88:119; 95:16; 109:8, 16.) To be acceptable fasting must conform to the Lord’s law and not be done for hypocritical reasons. (Matt. 6:16–18; 3 Nephi 13:16–18.) (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 275–276)