#StepRepPray

Experience the joy of movement as you lean into Jesus.

#StepRepPray is an invitation to meet with God in movement—always at the pace of grace. With each step or every rep, seek God’s guidance, worship and praise Him, thank Him for the gift of movement, and lift your heart in prayer for others.

An Invitation

Exercise can be challenging for those with chronic illness.  Movement helps us reconnect and reengage with a body that has betrayed us, caused us fear, escalated anxiety, and isolated us from connection with others. Movement invites us to acknowledge a body that looks and works differently than it once did.

Movement can help us face our losses, express our grief, and bravely name the shame we feel. Gratitude helps us re-engage with life, broadening our understanding, growing our compassion, and igniting the embers of hope. Hope is what teaches us to see what is still possible.

#StepRepPray was coined by Chronic Joy co-founder, Cindee Snider Re, during a difficult recovery:

"In frustration over unrelenting tremors, determined to regain strength and balance, and with my doctor's approval, I stepped onto the elliptical one morning to walk three painfully slow minutes. In tears, I closed my eyes and began to pray, and something unexpected happened: my body began to keep pace with the music playing in the background. I tried it again the next day and the next. Every time I stepped onto the elliptical, I would close my eyes and pray. What began in overwhelming frustration grew to be my favorite part of the day."

As we begin to move, it’s important to:

• Start slowly
• Listen to our bodies
• Be flexible
• Celebrate each step
• Notice the small changes
• Surrender fear, anger, and shame
• Stick with it

Lean into Jesus. Walk with Him. Work with Him. Learn from Him as He leads you into the unforced rhythms of creation—always at the pace of grace. How will you move and pray today? 

WHAT MATTERS IS THAT WE BEGIN

Chronic illness and pain can make traditional exercise difficult, but with the guidance and supervision of your doctor and a little creativity, it's not only possible but can also be very rewarding. Even small changes can make a big difference.

We are body, mind, and soul together, and that doesn't change because of illness. "When we integrate body and soul together in prayer, we offer God the most perfect worship." (Colleen Scariano)

God knows everything about us and is intimately familiar with our circumstances, down to the smallest detail. What and how much we can do isn't important. What matters is that we begin in worship, lifting our voices in gratitude, praying as we breathe, and thanking Him as we move.

#StepRepPray is about experiencing the wonder and joy of movement as you lean into Jesus.

FREE PRINTABLES

POSTS TO PONDER