On prayer and Christian fasting

Prayer and fasting, but Christian fasting, is useful as a means of examining ourselves, of diagnosing our true ethical state, of precisely appraising our sins, and of our understanding their true character.  Without fasting and prayer we are deprived of the means to self-knowledge; we are unable to acquire a true picture of our sins and complete consciousness and contrition of heart, and, consequently, true and fruitful confession.  Therefore, since Christian fasting and prayer is the only method of preparation for true confession, we are obligated to observe these commandments of the Church diligently, we are obligated to confess truly and with faith to reconcile with God, so that we do not fail to reach the goal but achieve the desired ultimate good.