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Prayer for Sacrificial Living 

Devotion

Today you will pray for a spirit that is willing to make sacrifices. Sadly, many of us are unwilling to do what it takes to reach our health and weight loss goals. It's not because we're lazy or undeserving of having all we desire. It's because we don't understand the significance of short-term sacrifice for long-term gain. When we understand how much God truly loves us, we will see that sacrificing is more than just resisting a cookie or ten. Forfeiting immediate gratification draws us to the true heart of God by removing all of the strongholds that keep us from knowing Him.

Focus your prayers today on discovering how to see sacrifice as a form of worship to God (Romans 12:1); as an opportunity to draw closer to God (James 4:8); as a way to strengthen our body, mind, and spirit, and God's way of saving us from our destructive selves (James 1:14-15). Freedom is found in dying to ourselves every hour of every day to live an abundant life.

The power to sacrifice does not come from your willpower or hard work. Rather, it's a natural response from seeing God as He truly is—one who overwhelmingly and steadfastly loves us.

Action

Pray for a willing spirit of sacrifice.

Validation

"God, You have given me the knowledge and tools for a healthful lifestyle, and I am grateful. I pray for the ability to resist temptation and to stay within my boundaries. Most of the time, I am okay, but the temptation is always there. I pray for the willingness to over-come (still) late-night treats."

''I am becoming aware of the difference between knowing the truth and experiencing the truth. I know God is better at comforting me than food and that He deserves complete obedience and surrender. Yet, how often do I live this way? Time to live what I believe. For today, I pray I turn to God to settle me and comfort me. I also pray I remember it is an offense to choose self and short-term pleasure over obedience."

"I believe at the root of my fears of sacrificial living is loss. I'm afraid of losing things that I love, whether that be food, relationships with people, time with people, and the feeling of fitting in. I don't want to miss out on anything by denying myself anything. My reminder is that God is enough, and I don't have to fill myself with anything or anyone other than Him."

Declaration

I am as bold as a lion. I can endure to the end because You are my strength and shield. I have the capacity for victorious living. I operate in excellence and purpose to complete every task that I set out to do. I can do all things through Christ, Who gives me strength. No temptation can overtake me because You give me the strength to bear up under it. My sacrifice is my form of worship to You, so I do it with peace and gratitude. 

Supplication

"Lord, You have given me the power and strength to develop a healthier lifestyle that glorifies You. Teach me how to give up my unhealthy desires to glorify You and my body. I can endure the temptations because You are my strength and my shield. I can spend time planning to eat healthily and exercise because You have given me the capacity for victorious living. I find complete healing in You! Thank You, Lord, for blessing me in every way! Amen!!"

Reflection

1. Take time to acknowledge your refusal to sacrifice certain foods, your time, or other things that God has called you to in order to be healthier. Why do you refuse to sacrifice?

2. Now acknowledge the fears you have around sacrifice. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you what is at the root of those fears.

3. In mind of God's love for you and your love for him, how would you offer your body as a living sacrifice as stated in scripture?