People work out for many reasons – a desire to be healthy, in an attempt to lose weight, to have a beautiful body, or just because exercising feels good. The following prayers — prayer to start an exercise routine, prayer to make self exercise, thanksgiving for a good workout, and prayer to heal after a strenuous workout — invite God to bless and protect a believer as he/she exercises.
Prayer to Start Exercise Routine
Nothing is harder than working out regularly except for starting to work out. The following prayer asks for God to motivate one to start and bless the exercising experience:
“God, you know I’m starting to exercise because [insert reason, such as needing to improve health or lose weight.] Please guide me as I begin to exercise, protect me from hurting myself and inspire me to stick with it, that I may be healthy in body, mind, and spirit, to the glory of Your name. Amen.”
One might offer this prayer before exercising or for another struggling to begin a work out routine. Praying the prayer with friends and other supportive people is another option to grant strength and encouragement to begin exercising.
Prayer to Make Self Exercise
Everyone has days when they don't want to exercise. A snack, a nap, a television program, a distracting conversation can all draw the attention away from lacing up the sneakers. The following prayer asks God for focus to start the daily work out:
“God, rather than [insert planned exercise for the day,] I’d rather be [insert activity want to do.] Inspire me to stick with my exercise routine, that I may be healthier and happier. I’m going to get up right now and go exercise, as I’ve promised to myself and to You. Amen.”
Thanksgiving for Good Workout
Nothing's better than the high from a good workout. The following prayer gives God thanks for exercise that's going well:
“God of creation, thank you for [insert enjoyable exercise] and how it made me feel [insert affects of workout, if desired.] Help me to remember this experience the next time I don’t want to workout, so that I can keep enjoying and nurturing my body, to the glory of Your name. Amen.”
One may write this prayer down and place it in a prominent place — the refrigerator, computer screen, or desk memo board — as a way to remember the good times exercising as motivation for times when one doesn't want to exercise.
Prayer for Healing after Strenuous Workout
Hurting or straining the body during exercise can turn the self off to further exercise. The following prayer asks for God's healing and encouragement to rest and be open to further exercise:
“God of power and might, please comfort me as I hurt after [insert injury or discomfort sustained.] Keep me safe from further injury as I journey to maintain and heal my body, a great gift from You. Amen.”
One might also pray this on behalf of another who has been injured or discouraged by physical discomfort from healthy exercising.
Exercising and getting the body in shape is a great way to honor God's gift, a beautiful body. With prayer, God can inspire, heal, and motivate the self to many years of a healthy, happy exercise routine.
For a simple, effective exercise practice, one might enjoy Walking More Every Day – Ideas to Walk while Shopping, at Work, and for Recreation.
For another idea to support a healthy lifestyle with prayer, Prayers for Healthy Eating – Prayer for Trying New Foods, Blessing a Healthy Meal and More may be of interest.
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