Commentary: What happened to Latter-day Saint fasting?

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jana Riess.I have an alert in my phone to remind me to skip my breakfast cereal.

I have a personal situation to pray about that has reached St. Jude-like levels of desperation.

And I am excited that this fast Sunday happens to fall on the first day of Ramadan, which means that, in my own tiny way, I can experience solidarity (and mutual bad breath) with my Muslim brothers and sisters around the world.

All systems would appear to be “go,” except for a nagging sense that something is missing. So what don’t I have as I prepare for the fast?

All Latter-day Saints are instructed to fast on the first Sunday of every month, praying more fervently and…