Prayers for Weight Loss & Body Image IssuesSample

Focus verses: Ephesians 4:29-30 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Focus thoughts: Real life will present you with many opportunities to choose—your direction, your time, your meals, your investments and your schedule. Your thoughts can go in a thousand different directions and it’s easy to go towards the negative aspects of your diet and body issues. Be done with self-blame, negative self-talk and wearing a false humility label. Jesus endured the greatest, horrific suffering and death for you. He didn’t come to condemn you. Remember, you are the body of Jesus Christ with the church. We’re to build up the members of the body. Encourage each other. Help yourself to the deep grace of God. He’s waiting for you with open arms, not to condemn you but to love you as you are.

Pray: God, show me where I have been bitter over better. Your song over me is love and faithfulness. Take captive my wrong thinking and negativity. Forgive me for letting my bitterness poison my relationship with you. I give you full access to my heart’s space to clean it up and remove the toxins. I see now how I’ve turned away from you and towards my own self-constructed idols. Help me to be at peace with the many changes you are bringing to my life and to be fruitful for your kingdom. I cast my burdens upon you. Help me to do what I can’t do on my own. Heal me in the parts where my heart feels empty and hollow. I let go of all the ungodly words I’ve said to myself. I know that when I put myself down, I’m actually putting your Holy Spirit down also. Please forgive me!

Lord, I ask for healing from my pride, shame, negative self-talk, and negative body issues. Let me not cast off your glory. I’m sorry for putting idols between me and your relationship. So many times, I’ve wanted to give up, but you wouldn’t let me. I know you are a precious, one-of-a-kind Savior who does amazing work. In Jesus' name, Amen.