In my search to learn more about the Sacrament and its significance in our lives, I discovered that there is a connection between fasting and the Atonement/ Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Ancient Israel had a Day of Atonement that happened on the tenth day of the seventh month. This was the day that the High Priest would stand in God’s presence in the tabernacle and offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the Israelites. Something cool about this day was that it was a nationwide fast for the Israelites. Fasting helped the Israelites mourn with the Savior and recognize the future act he would perform to cleanse them and us from our sins. Part of the covenant of baptism is to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. Each Sunday we can mourn with the Savior and with our friends who are going through hardships and are striving to be better. With the Lord’s help, we can become clean from our sins and comfort/strengthen those around us. Once a month I have the opportunity to fast with my congregation, we call it Fast Sunday, and it is neat because we are connected to the Israelites who also fasted on the day they would renew their covenants and be cleansed from their sins. The Lord is so merciful, and I know that as we strive to follow Him, we will find joy!

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/lev/16?lang=eng&id=p29-p34#p29

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/fasts?lang=eng