Exercise as Prayer in Motion
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What does exercise have to do with fasting and holiness? When most people think of fasting, they often think of food. But what if fasting also required movement—real, intentional exercise—to support both body and soul fully?
In this episode, Beth explores how exercise can transform your fasting journey, elevate your prayer life, and draw you closer to God.
Why Movement Matters for Fasting
Fasting is not only a spiritual discipline; it’s also a physical one. Movement plays a critical role in helping the body adapt to fasting by balancing hormones, curbing hunger, and stabilizing energy levels. Whether it’s lifting weights, walking while praying a rosary, or playing a lighthearted game of pickleball, exercise keeps the body in balance and makes fasting more sustainable.
But movement does more than support the body. It strengthens the mind and the spirit, reducing anxiety, uplifting mood, and sharpening focus—key elements for a deeper prayer life.
A Lifestyle Shift: From Overeating to Holy Habits
Beth shares how she and her husband transformed their Friday nights. What used to be a pattern of overeating became a rhythm of adoration followed by time at the gym. This simple but intentional shift not only improved their physical health but also enriched their marriage and brought them into a deeper shared spirituality.
Exercise, then, becomes more than a routine. It is a way to glorify God with your body, to build discipline, and to create holy habits that ripple into every part of life.
Fit for the Kingdom
Getting fit for the Kingdom isn’t about vanity or achieving a certain body type. It’s about being physically and spiritually prepared to do God’s work. By combining fasting, prayer, and movement, you align body and soul in service to Him.
The invitation is clear: move your body, not just for health’s sake, but as an act of worship and a way of life that leads you closer to holiness.
A Prayer for Holy Movement
Lord, thank You for the gift of my body and the ability to move. Teach me to see exercise not as vanity, but as a way to glorify You. Strengthen me through fasting, uplift me through movement, and unite my body and soul in prayer. May everything I do—whether in rest or activity—draw me closer to You and prepare me for Your Kingdom. Amen.
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