Discover God’s transformative power through these prayers for eating disorders—reclaim your strength, break free, and embark on your journey to lasting recovery.
Eating disorders are serious, and if you or someone you know is struggling with one, it is such a hard battle to fight. They are not disorders that focus on food, they are disorders of fear, feelings of unworthiness, and distorted perceptions. Food is just a convenient way to act out/avoid feelings.
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by restricting eating. Often, a person with anorexia will have a low body weight. It is often paired with a fear of gaining weight and a disturbed perception of their own image and worth.
Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by regular and often overeating followed by self-induced vomiting or purging. It is often paired with a fear of gaining weight and a disturbed perception of their own image and worth.
Binge eating is an eating disorder characterized by regularly overeating in response to an emotion. They typically feel that they cannot stop eating. The bingeing can occur at least once a week for several months.
But if you are reading this article, you know much more than these definitions about what an eating disorder is and how it can affect a person.
You know how eating disorders can leave you feeling alone, vulnerable, desparate, helpless, and so much more.
I have suffered from binge eating for most of my life. At any negative or positive feeling, my response was to eat. Once I began, stopping was almost impossible, or so it seemed. I had food addictions and shame.
I was always at least 50 pounds overweight at each stage of my life. Upon adulthood, my weight began to increase more than decrease, though I did have periods of weight loss.
I usually lose weight using an extreme method that leaves me feeling very deprived. Because of that, not long after I started, I would fail, feel shame for failing, and turn to food to comfort myself. I would binge, and the weight would come back, bringing extra pounds with it.
I remember eating my choice of foods—chips and chocolate—and feeling so full that I wished I could make myself vomit, but I never could. I would continue to eat more and more, even until I was full.
Most nights, I would go to bed so full that I was literally in pain. I ended up at 349 pounds.
Where was God in all of this?
I would pray, but then I would eat a box of Oreos while praying. I just wanted God to perform a miracle and make this all stop.
Yes, I even had thoughts of, wouldn’t I be better off just being in Heaven, rather than here on Earth, What good was I doing anyone here anyway?
The feeling of shame and the consequences of ongoing eating disorders can and do lead to suicide.
God never left me. He was waiting for me to come to Him and pray and listen. He was waiting for my heart to be ready. For my will to bend to His.
It wasn’t about God taking away the desire to binge for me. It was about me learning, overcoming, following God’s lead, and choosing to place Him at the center of my life and my eating.
Slowly, over time, as I listened to God’s lead and followed Him, my weight began to come off in a healthy way, and my binge eating slowly subsided.
There is hope.
Are you suffering right now from an eating disorder? Are you in a space where it seems like all is lost?
You are never alone. God is with you. Please keep reading to discover prayers and practical tips that helped me and can help you too on your journey to recovery.
3 Healing Prayers For Eating Disorders
Prayer 1—Prayer for Surrender and Trust
Many of us with an eating disorder have a huge need for control, I know I did. I needed to give this need for control over to God and the way I did this and you can too is through prayer.
Lean on our Heavenly Father
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11: 28-30
Heavenly Father, In this moment of vulnerability and struggle, I come before You, laying down the burdens of my heart. I acknowledge the challenges I face with my eating disorder, and I surrender them to You. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Help me to release my fears, insecurities, and doubts into Your loving care. Teach me to trust in Your plan for my life, knowing that You are always present, guiding me with Your infinite love and compassion. Give me the strength to take each step forward with faith, even when the journey feels overwhelming. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. May Your presence be my refuge and my strength, sustaining me through every trial and temptation. Help me to nourish my body in a way that honors You, viewing myself through Your eyes of grace and acceptance. Let Your truth sink deep into my soul, reminding me of my inherent worth and value as Your beloved child. Grant me the perseverance to seek help when needed, surrounding myself with a supportive community that encourages growth and healing. Give me the courage to confront the lies of my disorder with the truth of Your Word. Lord, I surrender my struggles, my fears, and my desires to You. Help me to trust in Your perfect love, knowing that You are always working for my good. May Your will be done in my life, now and forevermore. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Trust God’s path for you –
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”.
Proverbs 3: 5-6
Prayer 2—Prayer for Self-Love and Acceptance
Negative self-image and distorted body perceptions often accompany eating disorders.
There are countless times when, looking in the mirror, I do not see what others do. Even after losing 140 pounds, there are times I see that 349 pound version of myself.
I still pray every day, and God has taught me that loving myself is less about me and more about seeing myself through His eyes and accepting His love for me.
God’s Word is true about you, too.
“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.“
Psalm 139:14
Heavenly Father, I come before You in humility, acknowledging the challenges I face with my eating disorder. I confess my struggle to love and accept myself as You do, and I ask for Your help in finding true self-love and acceptance. Grant me the grace to see myself through Your eyes, recognizing the beauty and worth You have placed within me. Help me to understand that my value is not determined by my appearance or by the opinions of others, but by Your unconditional love for me. Heal the wounds of self-doubt and self-criticism that have taken root in my heart. Replace them with Your truth, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. Help me to embrace my uniqueness and celebrate the gifts You have given me. Teach me to treat my body with kindness and compassion, nourishing it with the care it deserves. Guide me in making choices that honor You and promote my well-being, free from the constraints of my disorder. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding my mind against negative thoughts and destructive behaviors. Help me to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and acceptance, focusing on the blessings You have bestowed upon me. Surround me with a community of support and encouragement, where I can be vulnerable and receive the love and acceptance I crave. Give me the courage to reach out for help when I need it, knowing that I do not have to face this struggle alone. Lord, help me to truly believe in Your unconditional love for me, and let that love transform my heart and mind. May I find strength and healing in Your presence, and may Your light shine brightly within me for all to see. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Please read more about what God has to say about self-love.
Prayer 3—Prayer for Strength and Perseverance
Did following God lead me to immediately stop binge eating? No, it took continued prayers. There were setbacks, but God helped me get back to my feet and on the right path to recovery.
Am I recovered now? For the most part, I am, but I have to always pray for God’s guidance and strength to see me through each day.
Temptation happens. I recently went through a job loss that brought up many negative emotions, and my first response was that I wanted to eat.
There were days where the want was so strong that I chose poorly what to eat but didn’t binge. I went to God instead.
I now have a new job, and God is still here with me, as He always is, and He has given me strength each day to persevere and not binge.
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”
Philippians 4: 13
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heavy heart, burdened by the challenges of my eating disorder. In the midst of this struggle, I ask for Your strength and perseverance to carry me through. Lord, when I feel weak and weary, be my rock and my refuge. Wrap Your loving arms around me and remind me that I am not alone in this battle. Fill me with Your courage and resilience to face each day with determination and hope. Give me the wisdom to recognize the triggers and temptations that lead me astray, and the strength to resist them. Help me to rely on Your power to overcome every obstacle and to walk in victory over my disorder. Lord, when doubts and fears threaten to overwhelm me, help me to fix my eyes on You. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, calming the storms within my soul. Strengthen my faith, knowing that You are working all things together for my good. Teach me to surrender my struggles into Your capable hands, trusting in Your perfect plan for my life. Give me the patience to endure the challenges and setbacks along the way, knowing that Your timing is always perfect. Surround me with a supportive community of friends, family, and professionals who can offer encouragement and guidance. Help me to be open and vulnerable with them, allowing Your love to flow through their words and actions. Lord, I know that nothing is impossible with You. Give me the courage to persevere, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. May my journey through this trial bring glory to Your name and be a testimony to Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Rely on this verse as you go through each day with its challenges:
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
Practical Tips for Incorporating Prayer
Prayer is so powerful because it connects us to God. He will give us the strength to overcome.
How can you incorporate prayer into your life?
- Create or find a quiet spot where you can be at peace and reflect
- Take any opportunity you have to say a prayer (I will pray every time I go to the lady’s room. I also pray before I eat).
- Journal out prayers or reflect in your journal on bible verses you are reading related to recovery
- Seek support from a trusted pastor, counselor, or faith – based group.
There are 2 opportunities I have found most beneficial with guidance on prayer and healthy eating habits:
1. Free Community for Christian Weight loss and
2. Faithful Finish Lines 2.0. (There is a monthly fee for the second one.)
The free group supports and encourages, but for daily guidance, Faithful Finish Lines has steps to follow and shows you how to put God at the center of your life.
For medical support, visit the Mayo Clinic for treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can prayer alone cure an eating disorder?
Prayer is a powerful source of comfort, strength, and guidance in the journey of recovery from an eating disorder. It is important to recognize that you may need medical assistance as well.
God can do it all. God has provided gifts to all of us, including our medical community, so seek them out as well.
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that often require a multifaceted approach to treatment, including professional therapy, medical intervention, nutritional counseling, and support from loved ones.
While prayer is an integral part of your healing process, it’s essential to also seek help from trained professionals who specialize in treating eating disorders.
For my recovery, I sought medical treatment as well as supportive groups in the Christian weight loss community and Faithful Finish Lines, and over all of these, I prayed.
What if I don’t feel worthy enough to pray?
If you’re struggling with feelings of unworthiness, it’s important to remember that God’s love for you is unconditional.
You don’t need to earn His love or approval through your actions or feelings.
He accepts you just as you are, with all your struggles and imperfections. You can approach Him honestly and authentically, pouring out your heart in prayer, knowing that He hears you and cares for you deeply.
How can I find a faith community supportive of eating disorder recovery?
Finding a faith community supportive of eating disorder recovery can be a valuable source of encouragement and understanding. Here are some steps you can take to find such a community:
- Research local churches or religious organizations: Look for churches or religious groups in your area that prioritize mental health awareness and offer support groups or resources for individuals struggling with eating disorders or other mental health issues.
- Attend support groups or events: Many faith communities host support groups, workshops, or events focused on mental health and wellness.
- Consider online resources: Join the Free Community for Christian Weight loss and Faithful Finish Lines 2.0.
Remember, recovery from an eating disorder is a journey, and it’s important to surround yourself with a supportive network of people who can help you along the way.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support from both professional sources and your faith community as you navigate this challenging but ultimately hopeful path toward healing and wholeness.
You’ve got this.
God will be there to help you along the way, just pray and ask Him.
Foot Prints in the Sand “One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, There was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."
God carried me through my difficult times, and it feels good to be able to now walk on my own, with Him right beside me.
You can be here too. Print this article or save it and read it over and over, every day, until you are able to pray daily and walk on your own as well.
More Prayers To Overcome Eating Disorders
A Weight Loss Prayer For Emotional Eating
Tammy Carnevale has been a member of Faithful Finish Lines 2.0 since January of 2020 and has lost 125 so far, bringing her starting weight of 349 pounds down to 224 pounds. She also manages her Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia with the tools she has learned in FFL program. Her passion is to use her writing and her own experience to help and support other women on their own weight loss journeys and managing chronic illness.