Pray in 2017: Day 17- Physical Health
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty." Zech. 4:6
Day 17: Physical Body
Yesterday, we prayed for the Lord’s help this year, to be a good steward over the finances He puts in our care. But money is not the only resource of which we are stewards. Today we will ask the Lord’s assistance with our physical bodies.
- For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm 139:13-16 ESV)
My spirit is not the only part of me that belongs to Jesus. I am His bondslave, so He owns all of me, my flesh included. I don’t usually think of my body as a resource for which God holds me accountable. But considering He knit, wove, and formed me, it makes sense that I am responsible to Him.
- Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27 ESV)
New Year’s resolutions almost always hold a “get in shape,” “eat better, loose weight,” “exercise more” component. But before I decide on a health goal this year, I want to lay my whole self down on the altar and ask the Lord to give me direction and instruction. Then I can discipline my body according to His plan.
There is not physical challenge too big for the Lord. He is the One who took dry, dead bones and caused life to flow back through them in Ezekiel 37. Whatever my body issues, He is able to overcome them.
Here are the areas I have found in Scripture that I am going to be praying for this year:
Fear the Lord:
Not usually something I think of first in terms of health, but because of the following Scripture, it is this year!
- Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:7-8 ESV)
Accepting the way God made me:
God created me as I am, and gave me a job. He is my source for a good body image.
- "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5 ESV)
What I put in my body:
I often choose food and drink unwisely, but I am praying for more discernment so I will be ready for every good work!
- Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21 ESV)
Physical health:
I am asking for good health for the next 12 months.
- Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (3 John 1:2 ESV)
Healing of current issues:
I am asking for healing to have the energy and strength to do His work.
- He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3 ESV)
Physical strength:
I rarely actually desire to exercise, but I need to build physical strength for the endurance needed to stay the course with Jesus. So I am asking the Lord to help me exercise especially when I don’t want to.
- She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. (Proverbs 31:17 ESV)
Emotional health:
Scripture tells us what science now proves- our emotional well-being effects our physical.
- A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 ESV)
Strong mind:
Not putting sinful, worldly, or worthless things into my mind helps me maintain an eternal perspective.
- I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. (Psalm 101:3 ESV)
Be on the lookout this year to find more Scripture about physical well-being, or if you have a favorite, share it below. Let’s bring our bodies into subjection to Jesus and see what amazing things He does!
Day 17 Prayer
Dear Lord,
I want to lay every part of myself down at Your feet. I recognize that You own me. I am Yours. This physical shell, that my spirit walks around in, is the vehicle You have given me to carry out Your work here on earth. So I ask You to give me wisdom on how to care for it, so I can be of as much use to You as possible.
Thank You for making me as You did. I confess to being dissatisfied with parts of my physical body, but I want to accept Your provision as a gift from Your hand and ask You to use me to Your glory.
I ask You to help me with what I put in my body- both food and drink. In our land of abundance I easily overeat. I often allow food to control me. I crave caffeine, sugar, unhealthy food, alcohol, or just plain more of whatever I am eating. Please help me have more self-discipline.
I need help to exercise more so that I have the endurance to work long and hard for You.
I also lay my spirit before You. I know if effects my physical body, so I ask You to heal the broken parts and bring healing to my bones at the same time.
And lastly, I bring my mind to You. You are an amazing engineer and have designed every part of me to work together. I can’t put junk in one area and not expect it to effect other parts. I want nothing to cling to me, but You!
Lord, I ask for spiritual awareness to see where I have allowed bad habits or unhealthy addictions to control me. Please heal me this year that I may serve You with a whole heart AND a whole body.
Amen
As we let the Lord step on our toes and take away our pet desires, I believe we will see a resurgence of health and energy. This is a a scary prayer, but it is worth it!
- I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 ESV)