An Exercise for Body and Soul
This prayer tip helped me lose weight and get closer to God.
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printI stepped onto the scale and shook my head in disbelief. How can the pounds keep adding up when I try so hard to watch what I eat?
I made an appointment to see my doctor and asked him about my diet.
“You need exercise,” he told me. I grimaced. “Why not try five minutes the first day, then add a few more minutes each day until you work up to twenty?” he said.
At home I dusted off my stationary bike and began pedaling. After five minutes I felt as if I had run a marathon. Over the next week I struggled through each grueling session until I reached the 20-minute mark. But I wondered whether I could keep it up.
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“It’s so boring,” I told my sister, Marti. “I keep thinking of other things I need to be doing.”
“Why don’t you use your exercise time to pray?” she suggested.
“Lord, please watch over my mother and my mother-in-law,” I began when I climbed onto the bike the next day. Then I asked for blessings for my son Jeff and his family in Oregon.
Pedaling seemed easier as I focused on others. “Dear God, please help my son Rick.” I glanced down at the bike’s digital readout: 20 minutes, 300 calories burned!
Now I look forward to riding my bike and talking to the Lord while I pedal the pounds away.
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Your Comments (6)
Amen! I has taken me several decades to figure this out. I walk 100 minutes every morning. I equates to approximately 5 miles on most days. I begin my first round around the park emptying my mind and thinking about only my blessings and I count them all. Then I thank Jesus for my blessings everying morning, my legs, my eyes to see the birds, my voice to sing and praise Him and His Holiness. I feel His peace being in His presence. I listen to praise music for a while and I am ready to enjoy and take on the world for the rest of the day. I am selfish with these 100 minutes with my Lord everyday and so will you. Enjoy Him and every minute He gives us with Him. It has changed my body inside and out!
I never thought about praying when I exercise, but why not. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for the idea.
I also "have" to exercise and find it a chore most days. I walk a mile outdoors in the morning then ride my bike another 5 miles - then another 5 miles in the evening. It does go by quickly when you're talking with the Lord, doesn't it? Gets your mind off of your physical situation and transports you to a spiritual place - pretty cool! I have a blog that encourages diabetics. I've been a diabetic for over 15 years. It's http://fromonediabetictoanother.blogspot.com/ I've shared this story on my blog. I hope that's ok. It's such an encouragement!
I have a walking partner that no one can see, but I feel His presence that is always pleasant. There is no complaint about the job, society or other issues. Conversations are always about the Good News so after each walk I am always refreshed and ready for a new day as the birds serenade me by sing "Purrty, Pretty, Purrty" That's a really good sound to a senior citizen.
This could be the motivation I need to get up and get going. Thank you.
I walk three and a half miles most days and I also use this time to pray and praise God. I walk outdoors and whileI am praying and praising God, I am also marveling at his majesty as displayed in the trees, grass, birds andHis other creations. After my walking, praying, praising session in the early morning, I am energized physically, mentally and spiritually and ready for the rest of my day.