The doctrine of fasting is ancient. It has been practiced by biblical heroes from the earliest days. Moses, David, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Isaiah, Daniel, Joel, and many others fasted and preached of fasting.8 Through Isaiah’s writings, the Lord said: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free?”9
The Apostle Paul admonished Saints in Corinth to “give yourselves to fasting and prayer.”10 The Savior Himself declared that certain things go “not out but by prayer and fasting.”11 – Russell M. Nelson, “Opening the Heavens for Help,” Ensign (CR) May 2020