Praying for Eating Disorders and Weight Loss
People (men and women) who are struggling with eating disorders face daily challenges. Often the root of their battle comes from a deeper emotional pain, and the eating disorder is one manifestation of that pain. They may deal with anorexia, bulimia, binging, obesity, food addiction, or other types of food-related challenges.
Possible things to pray for:
- A life-changing encounter with the powerful love of God
- That they would gain a clear understanding of their identity in Christ and see themselves as God sees them
- God’s truth to overcome any lies from the enemy that they believe about themselves or their situation
- Willingness to open up and ask for help from someone they trust
- That they would find satisfaction in their relationship with Jesus rather than meeting it through eating or food avoidance.
Verses to share:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the lord, you will live long in the land the lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
“In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.”
2 Samuel 22:30
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit —makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Bible reading plans:
Food - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/122-food
Made to Crave - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/419-made-to-crave-21-day-challenge
Live Out Your Faith with Fitness: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/472-live-out-your-faith- with-fitness
The Weight Loss Scriptures Devotional: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/680-the-weight- loss-scriptures
God's Prescription for a Healthy Life: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/922-gods- prescription-for-a-healthy-life
Messages & Series:
The Counselor (Do You Want to Get Well?) - https://www.life.church/media/the-counselor/do-you-want-to-get-well/
Altar Ego (My Feelings of Inadequacy) - https://www.life.church/media/altar-ego/my-feelings-of-inadequacy/
Small Things Big Difference -https://www.life.church/media/small-things/ A Way Out: https://www.life.church/media/a-way-out/
Blog Posts:
Can I Overcome Food Guilt? - https://finds.life.church/can-i-overcome-my-food-guilt-take-my-emotional-eating-quiz/
Find Beauty in Your Battle With Eating Disorders - https://finds.life.church/find-beauty-battle-eating-disord/
4 Tips to Help You Lose Weight - https://finds.life.church/4-tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/
Other Resources:
Eating Disorder Hope - http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery
Choose Life Now: Submit your body to God and develop a lifestyle of health. http://www.choose-life-now.com/
Take Back Your Temple - Weight loss encouragement website - http://takebackyourtemple.com/
Helpful songs: