Obesity is an epidemic, according to the U.S. Surgeon General (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). In a world where media champions the scarily thin, overweight and obese people face size discrimination in addition to possible health problems caused by their weight. Simple prayers— blessing for an overweight or obese individual, prayer for strength to challenge size discrimination, and litany for healthy lifestyle choices— invite God into the lives of overweight and obese believers.
Blessing for the Overweight and Obese
Though there are many factors that contribute to obesity, including genetic predisposition, poverty, and environment, all Christians are called to care for their bodies as gifts from God. The following prayer asks God to bless an overweight or obese person, that he might experience God's presence in his life more deeply despite negative messages from the world:
"God of creation, all people are made in Your image. As I face a society that judges based on size, remind me that I am judged as worthy in Your eyes, O Lord. Let Your light shine brightly in my life, and guide me to make healthy choices in body, mind, and spirit, that I may live life to the fullest in the glory of Your name. Amen."
Often, overweight or obese people are hazed by others, even their own families, for their size. Share those negative comments with God, and then say this prayer to let God wash away the pain and hurt.
Prayer for Strength to Challenge Size Discrimination
Sizism, or weight prejudice, is another challenge the overweight and obese face. Employers, family members, and even businesses and public facilities can discriminate against the larger than average in subtle and not so sublte ways. For those affected by size discrimination, this or another prayer for personal strength may be helpful:
"God of power and might, keep me strong in the face of [insert particular individuals or system with weight prejudice] and all who would persecute me on the basis of my size. [Insert particular or general individuals] must be hurting, pathetic people inside to be so superficial and cruel, but let their cruelty not affect me. Help me to respond assertively and with compassion to those who discriminate against me, that they may see You in me and let go of their hate. Amen."
In some cases, prayer may be not enough to combat the cruel effects of size discrimination. The Council on Size and Weight Discrimination is one non-profit organization that offers resources for those who have experienced weight discrimination in any form.
Litany for Healthy Lifestyle Choices
All people struggle to balance body, mind, and spirit in the busy pace of modern life. The fast, prepared convenience foods people choose on the go are linked to rising rates of obesity. The following litany, or repeated prayer on a theme, is designed to help anyone stop and care for her body to God's glory, no matter her size:
"My body is Your temple, O God of power and love. Help me eat a healthy balanced diet and avoid [insert foods or beverages that are unhealthy or addictive], O God of power and love. Inspire me to stretch, move, walk, and be in my own body, my beautiful body, my only body, O God of power and love. Nurture me as I monitor my health and treat any conditions with compassionate attention, O God of power and love. Strengthen me to ignore those who belittle me. Heal their withered hearts and venemous tongues, O God of power and love. Bless me as I devote my body, along with my mind and spirit, to Your care, now and always. Amen."
To pray this prayer with a group, let one person be the leader who reads the first part of the prayer. The rest of the group may then respond with the repeated phrase, "O God of power and love."
As more and more Americans are diagnosed with obesity, Christians have an obligation to treat these and all people with compassion and respect. With prayer, overweight and obese believers have another resource to a healthy life, their relationships with God.
For more prayers about sustaining a healthy lifestyle, Prayers for Healthy Eating and Prayers for Exercise may be helpful.
Sources:
Council on Size and Weight Discrimination, Mt. Marion, New York, U.S.A. Official Website. Accessed October, 2011.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation. Rockville, MD: Office of the Surgeon General, January 2010.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
