Stretch and Pray

Lutheran church leaders recognize that people are more than just spiritually needy; that we have physical, emotional, and relational needs and those needs directly impact our spiritual well-being. That is why Bishop Murray Finck had introduced this easy-to-perform set of exercises in book form and easy to follow DVD format. Whether you learn best by mimicking others; or by listening to the voice of an instructor; or even by reading each step for yourself, you will be able to understand and perform each set of exercises in this two-piece wellness kit.

After reading the book and watching the DVD, I personally performed the exercises and found the movements to be easy and comfortable. The warm-up movements in Stretch and Pray gently prepared me for the 6 Prayer Postures. For those of us who like routines, I recommend the 6 Prayer Postures during your daily devotional time as a way of preparing your body for the day’s demands. After all, who doesn’t stoop or bend, reach or twist to some degree every day? Making Stretch and Pray a part of your daily routine will help to prevent sprains or strains while allowing your mind to focus on Christ with thanksgiving, with prayers, and with time to listen for the gentle voice of God speaking love into your life.

Stretch and Pray is good for your body, mind and soul. Add to that the benefits reaped by those around you. When you have more energy you feel better and are better able to help others during their trials. For those who like to document you progress, there are over thirty journal pages available at the back of the book.

The DVD is broken down into five sections. Two are interviews: the first with Bishop Finck and the second with Tammy Devine, Wellness Coordinator for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of American (ELCA). Watch the interviews if you are interested in knowing what the ELCA does to promote the health of its leaders.

Having performed the stretches and prayer postures personally, I can recommend them to others. The back pain Bishop Finck experienced prior to his sojourn is common to many of us past our youth, including my husband, to who I have personally recommended this DVD, Stretch and Pray. The great thing about these exercises is that most of them are the very ones recommended by my husband’s pain management team.

Review contributed by Mrs. Chantelle Andrews, a freelance writer and founder of Factual Fiction, a research resource for writers serious about their success.