Praying to lose weight?

Did you ever read the story of a mother who journeyed on foot a long distance with her child to see Gandhi (who was a proponent of eating nutritious foods). She asked him to tell her son to give up sugar. He told her to come back in a month. She came back on foot with her son a long distance, and asked Gandhi again to tell her son not to eat sugar. He told her son exactly that. She said, "Why didn't you tell him that on our first journey, and save me from making this long second journey." He replied that he himself had not yet given up sugar. So he worked on eliminating sugar from his diet in that month, and only then did he feel that he had the right to suggest the same to the son. Be the change you want to see in the world!

I remember first praying to lose weight when I was 12. I don't know if that was the first time - that was the first time I remember.

Today I read in the Bible (Corinthians), "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body." Now that's true motivation!

I absolutely pray - many times during the day and pray about my need to lose weight and get fitter - but it's a prayer for self discipline, ability to steward my time right so I get to the gym, self discipline with eating etc. If I've done my part I don't mind praying that it will show on the scales, but I don't believe in magic weight loss through prayer as a normal part of our experience. But my relationship with God, including prayer and getting to know Him better through His word, is the most important part of my life.

There isn't a day goes by that I don't pray and not just when I want something but because I want to be in a close relationship with my Heavenly Father.
It's not right though to pray that God will magically make us skinny as we reach for that second donut. I know this weight battle is really hard and sometimes people lose weight slower than others. What is truly easy in this life? I have to pray for strength to turn from temptation of any kind.
I thank the Lord for the strength and motivation for my painful 57 year old body to get up most mornings and exercise. I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit with me as I type this. I simply can't go through life relying only on myself. That's a scary way to live.

Prayer changes things; therefore, it makes me feel better and I eat better, and workout longer!!!

Back in June of 2014, I prayed to God to help me be strong by making healthy nutrition choices and fitness choices. I asked God to remind me that He is always beside me and helping me to be strong and wise.

Although I have reached my goal weight, I always pray to God to keep me strong and fit and mindful of my blessings and to not overindulge in eating especially when there are so many hungry people in the world..........It helps to stay focused on what the purpose of food really is.

Thank you for your post. You created a vision for me to approach my wellness program.

I PRAY FOR STRENGTH TO EAT HEALTHY EVERYDAY WILL POWER

Not praying, but expecting for a miracle to happen? The perfect no-side-effects pill? Darn!

Rather than the idolatrous approach of praying to lose weight. Pray for the strength to make the right choices to improve your wellbeing to better serve our Lord Jesus.

For those of you that say YOU are the reason for weight loss, you need to turn your mind upon JESUS. Otherwise salvation will not be waiting for you.

Edited by: TGUY82 at: 3/5/2014 (15:05)

Yes. I pray for God to help me make good choices, and to avoid drinking alcohol. A little prayer can't hurt. At the end of the day I give thanks for having the courage to do the right thing.

I don't pray. The only person taking credit for my weight loss is me!

No, prayer does not help me lose weight. Eating fresh, whole foods, exercising daily, tracking my efforts and getting a good night's sleep are the most helpful in my weight loss efforts. Walking in nature, listening to music, spending time with family and friends and meditation all bring me a peaceful sense of well being that helps me stay on my path towards good health.

Yes, of course!

Neither praying, nor crossing my fingers, nor not stepping on cracks made any difference.

Yes, I believe in the power of prayer. I find it helpful to pray and give my concerns and worries to a greater power.

Prayer changes things indeed. However, you will not see or feel results in one day. Yield ye not into temptation!!! Pray fervently & be honest with yourself. I'm constantly praying & asking God to help me. Little by little, it's working. Blessings!!

Sorry, but No. Seemed when I prayed and turned to God for help, I gained. Could be I depended on him somewhat to much and not enough on myself.

Yes Yes Yes!

I pray for release from temptations from my "binge" foods. It works too!

I think that every little bit helps

I am a big believe in the power of prayer and weight loss. I prayed years ago for God to help me with weight loss...He found sparks people for me......he turned me on to weight lifting, running, walking and eating healthy......I lost 60 lbs.

It helps me stay focused and remember that it's a mental and spiritual journey as well as a physical one.

Taking care of the vessel God gave me. That helps. The body isn't going to be strong or healthy unless I put forth the effort to keep it that way.

Being in a relationship with our Creator is a vital part of all of life, and prayer is an integral part of that relationship. Prayer won't make me lose weight, any more than talking with my wife will, but prayer helps put our priorities in place, including stewarding the things God has given to us in this life.

Prayer works - so does forgiveness.

Prayer helps me feel rejuvenated and at peace with myself. I feel like God is taking over and I have less to worry about. However, instead of praying for Him to help me lose weight, I pray for Him to guide me with life decisions, and to help me focus on my goal and push myself to achieve it. I also ask that He take my insecurities away, and help me to gain the confidence in myself I often lack. I noticed that since I started praying, I'm more energetic, and I can accomplish more. It's awesome :)

I'm not Christian myself, but here's my opinion on it.

I think prayer can certainly help as long you're realistic about it. You can pray to lose weight, but if you rely on that of course it won't work. Prayer is about getting help with things you are actively trying for. It's asking for the energy to workout, the discipline to chose an apple over a cookie; not just asking for the results. It's about God giving you the strength to walk on your walk on your own instead of carrying you to the finish line.

I believe Yoda
“Do or do not... there is no try.”

May the force be with you.

Prayer helps me; I feel more motivated and optimistic when praying for my weight loss efforts. It is hard for me to pray for myself; I need to remember I am loveable and have received grace-given gifts.

Does prayer help your weight loss efforts? If so, how? What part does prayer play in your diet and exercise?