LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Utilizing the Power of Prayer All Year
• Middle: local, national, and world leaders who have to make impactful decisions every day • Ring: all of the individuals who may be sick, Start a Prayer Journal lonely, or struggling Some find it easier to con- • Pinky: the smallest fincentrate and stay focused ger reminds us to pray for Did you know the Unitif they write, so find a pa- ourselves last ed States has set aside a day for pause and prayer per or notebook to write together every year since your prayers. Remember Adopt Healthier Habits 1952? This year, National to look back through your “The earth is the Lord’s journal to see how God and everything in the Day of Prayer took place has been working in your world, and all who live in on May 6—but as we life. it...” know, merely one day Psalm 24:1 of prayer isn’t enough. Submit a Prayer to the Our local communities, Do we truly believe these the nation, and the world YMCA Prayer Wall The Bible commands us words? Are we living our should continue to look lives as people who beto God to guide our path to carry one another’s burdens. Our virtual lieve that everything beand to bring hope, healPrayer Wall allows us to longs to God? That would ing, and restoration. carry the burdens of those mean that our families in our community and and relationships are His, The YMCA has been an have other help carry organization that has our own burdens. Let us understood the impact prayer can have for more know how we can pray for you and see how you than 176 years. George can pray for others. Williams, our founder, Suggested areas to foknew it wasn’t the one cus your prayer time who prays but the one on beyond your family, who hears. George had no idea he’d be starting a friends, and church inglobal movement by sim- clude: • Government employply praying for those he worked with and inviting ees in local, state, and federal positions to lead them into a relationship with Jesus, but this simple with our nation’s best act led to one of the larg- interests at heart, • Military members, both est Christian nonprofits active and veteran, so dedicated to supporting every individual, no mat- they know their service ter who they are or where is appreciated, • Men and women in the they come from. Below media so they may conare a few activities you and your family can do to tinue to shine a light on the truth, and remember to rely on the power of prayer all year! • Educators, so they may continue to persevere through all obstacles and Go for Prayer Walks prepare the leaders of It really is a simple as it tomorrow. sounds! Go on a walk or run while you pray for the people and places you Do the Hand Prayer (Children’s Activity) see along your journey. Start off by asking God to As you work look at make you aware of those your hand as a guide around you, and be guid- pray for the following ed by the Holy Spirit. You things • Thumb: those closest to could choose a specific you like your friends and scripture or verse for the family walk, or get inspired as • Pointer: people who you journey along. For lead and guide you, such instance, pray for the as teacher, pastors, and safety of neighbors you coaches see riding by on bicycles, or pray for the well-being of anyone who might sit on a bench you see on the trail.
and our spirit, mind, and body are as well. While our bodies are not our own, our attitude towards it should never be one of neglect. Recall in Genesis that God has called us stewards to care for his creation. We must recognize that our bodies are, too, part of that command and His creation. We only have one body this side of eternity: do one thing today to care for it well! Choose to go for a walk or hike on one of the scenic trails across Central Florida, check out our healthy recipes and add a healthier option to your weekly menu, or come take a group exercise class at the Y.
