|  | | Freedom from Eating Disorders | | Eating Disorder Recovery |
| | Prayer in eating disorder recovery was a vital part of my breaking free of anorexia. God answered my prayers for strength, courage and ultimately for freedom. I know I couldn’t have recovered without Him.
It took time, though, before I was ready to ask for much of God’s help and make prayer in eating disorder recovery a priority. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe He would answer my pleas, but that I did believe He would answer my cries for help. For a long time, I didn’t want to “give up” anorexia. I was afraid that if I allowed Him to have a greater part of my recovery, He would take the eating disorder away from me.
There was another reason I hesitated to practice prayer in eating disorder recovery. I felt guilty for mistreating the body He gave me. I felt ashamed for having anorexia. Over time, however, I discussed my guilt and shame with Him. From that, I learned that He just wanted me to come to Him no matter how I felt. With the guilt and shame out in the open, I was able to let go of it, sense that God was closer to me and move forward. Toward the end of my anorexic days, I relied heavily on God, and He never disappointed me. It was a process to be sure, but what a difference it made inviting Him to lead my journey. In the end, He led me to freedom and filled my heart with peace and joy.
Do you feel hesitant to make prayer in eating disorder recovery a priority? Perhaps you hold back for the same reasons I did. Maybe you feel unworthy of His help. You may even feel embarrassed to discuss certain details of the eating disorder with Him. Whatever it is that causes you to hesitate to make prayer in eating disorder recovery a part of your journey, know that you can share it with Him. When you know Him personally, He’s your Heavenly Father so you can talk with Him about anything.
Try to imagine God in heaven, seeing what you’re doing, being sensitive to how you’re feeling and knowing that you need His help. Imagine that He is waiting to hear from you so He can help His struggling child, a child that He loves beyond words. Can you see the look of concern on His face, perhaps even a tear in His eye? Can you sense the love and strength that He wants to give to you if you’ll only ask Him for it? Imagine an undeniable sense of His presence, thoughts of reassurance and strength He may bring to your mind, peace even in the midst of turmoil, or strength and perseverance during seemingly insurmountable struggles. Just imagine.
Why not talk with the Lord and make prayer in eating disorder recovery a regular part of your day? Why not share your fears and insecurities with Him? Why not ask for His leading and His strength? He’s waiting to hear from you.
By Laurie Glass
For an Eating Disorder Prayer, go to the Christian Recovery page. |
|
|
|
| |
