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Fasting is not my children's favorite word. To be honest, it isn't mine either. But about 15 years ago—when our kids were really struggling with trying to fast—we had this family home evening lesson.
Remembering all the benefits of fasting (particularly when our stomachs are growling out the drawbacks) can help us remain steadfast in our commitment.
Music
Hymns
- Bless Our Fast, We Pray (#138)
- In Fasting We Approach Thee (#139)
Primary Songs
- I Want to Live the Gospel (#148)
- Choose the Right Way (#160)
Scripture
Look for benefits of fasting while you read the following:
Lesson
Watch this video clip together.
Discussion
Get a large piece of butcher paper or a flip chart that everyone can see. Divide the paper in half.
Ask everyone to name the negative things about fasting. Write them on one side of the paper. (This may include: being hungry; getting a headache; etc.)
Ask everyone to name the positive things about fasting. Write them on the other side of the paper. Remind them of the scriptures you've already read. (This may include: spiritual power; spirit of revelation; able to teach the gospel; testimony; self-mastery; humility; salvation; obedience; etc.)
Compare the two sides and talk about the benefits versus the drawbacks.
What would you ask your children about fasting? Please share your ideas in the comments below.
Other Resources
Here is a great printable about fasting. Just click on the Pinterest image and it will take you to the site. Scroll down, click to enlarge, and save it to your computer for printing. (Sorry, they don't give a clean way to view the image.)
Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.
Alison, I love these lessons! They aren’t overblown, they aren’t full of cutesie fluffy nonsense, and they encourage discussion and input from the kids.
PLEASE tell me you are going to keep doing these!!! 😀 Can I bribe you?
Please DO continue posting your FHE ideas! I tried some of those FHE packets but they are just too fluffy! I want depth and discussion. Not arts and crafts! Thanks Alison!
Thank you, Sanz! The encouragement is appreciated. 🙂 I plan to keep adding these if there is interest!
Carnie, chocolate is always good. 😉
In answer to your question, yes. I’m planning to publish a new simple FHE lesson every Sunday at noon (mountain time). “Planning” being the operative word in that sentence. But I will make a good faith effort! 🙂