Praying for your Health?

Are YOU praying for your health?  If you are, then you are not alone!  More and more people are taking their health concerns to the Creator, to God...

I discuss with my clients and in seminars that being FIT and HEALTHY is a lot deeper then what we see physically.  There is a deeper connection between the Body, Mind and Spirit then what is visible to the naked eye.  Finding the connecting is an exciting experience!  If you are spiritually lead, it makes logical sense to seek guidance and direction from God regarding your health.

Historically, many churches and society promote financial wealth and prosperity, monetary manifestations, large homes, cars and lavish vacations but what good is all of this if you are not in good health?

Many pastors, priest, bishops and church leaders are starting to promote good health to their congregations.  I have personally held seminars for church groups and lead group exercise sessions in morning worship services to bring awareness to health and fitness to individuals and church families.  I believe that your body, your temple, is a temporary vessel that houses your Spirit.  You are deeper then what you see physically.  The purpose of your body is to manifest the Spirit.  If your physical man is not at an optimal level, then your mental man is in disarray and your Spirit cannot properly manifest itself in our world.  (check out my previous post on the Secret of Successful Leaders)

According to a study published by the American Psychological Association in the May issues of the APA journal of Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (the "Study"), praying for health issues increased by 36 percent between 1999 to 2007, with a large increase post 9-11.

The correlation?
--People who experience a decline in personal health or see health decline/tradgedy in others are more likely to turn to prayer to cope with the changing circumstances in their lives and surroundings.  Prayer is also a common coping resource for those with recent improvements in their health as people tend to pray gratuitous prayers.  70% of cancer survivors reported recent prayers during their illness and after their recovery according to the Study.  Most people tend to turn to pray AFTER they have been diagnosed or AFTER they get better.  In general, according to the Study, individuals who use positive religious coping techniques such as prayer, have both improved perceived mental and physical health as well as improved objectively measured health outcomes.



However, I think ALWAYS praying for good health*, giving thanks for good health and praying for guidance and direction for living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be part of your daily prayer and not just during and after healing but PRIOR to illness or health issues.  
TIPS for DAILY PRAYER FOR GOOD HEALTH, for you and your love ones:

Tip 1:  Pray for protection and good physical, mental and spiritual health daily.
Tip 2:  Give thanks for your present state of good health as a preventive measure.
Tip 3:  Pray for recovery back to a good healthy balance.
Tip 4:  Use prayerful meditation to cope with existing circumstances.

Any other tips?  Do you pray for your health?

Article of Reference:  National Trends in Prayer use as a Coping Mechanism for Health Concerns: Changes from 2002-2007

*My reference to health in this article refers to good health of the internal and external body, the mind and the spirit. 

*** My Prayer:  Lord, teach me how to pray and what to pray for.   Guide my steps, minster to my Spirit.***