I’ve been learning a LOT about the feminine cycle over the past four years, and can I say…I just LOVE science! Sometimes I think I’m not made to understand science (the whole “you’re an artist so you can’t be math or science smart” lie), but I so appreciate learning about the world around us because it all testifies to a wise Creator.
For example, women have a monthly cycle. you probably are aware of the PMS part, but that’s not the only part of your cycle! In fact, there are four phases. I won’t go into all the science because that’s not what this blog is about, I’m not good at explaining, and this post says it way better than I ever could.
But what I did want to do is go through some practical ways to embrace this amazing cycle God has built us around.
First off, I want to make it very clear: we are not slaves to our cycles, our feelings, or our hormones. We are responsible for our actions and words at all times, even when we feel terrible. Being on our period doesn’t give us an excuse to act out. All that said . . . those feelings still are real and powerful. That’s why arming yourself with prayer is a must!
🌹 MENSTRUAL 🌹
Lasts 3-7 days
This is the phase you’re most familiar with.
You may feel emotionally: sad, emotionally fatigued, low energy
You may feel physically: cramps, aches
Prayer: Dear God, I thank you for making me a woman; for fashioning my kind into existence from the rib of a man (how poetic!). Thank you for all the intricacies of what being a woman involves. God, I pray that you would help me to move through the feelings and ickiness I am feeling during this phase. Help me to think before I speak or act. Help me to take on less so I can rest more and remove uneeded stress that will only amplify the irritation I am feeling.
Spiritual Practice: Take an evening to pray through all your fears and worries, casting them onto the shoulders of the only One who can fix them (P.S. It helps to write it down!). Start reading a devotional or C.S. Lewis book for a slow reset.
🌿 FOLLICULAR 🌿
Lasts 14-21 days
You may feel emotionally: motivated, driven, productive
You may feel physically: energized, attractive
Prayer: Dear God, I praise you as the source of my strength and energy (He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights…You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. Psalm 18:33, 35). I pray you would help me steward this time well, when I’m feeling motivated and more normal. Please put people in my path who could use some of my sunshine and energy. Amen.
Spiritual Practice: This is a good time to start or plan a new Bible study, or switch church activities up (or start a new one). Since you have lots of energy, try waking up earlier and extending your devotions or committing a verse or two to memory. Use that positive energy to get a lot done!
🌼 OVULATORY 🌼
Lasts 1-2 days
You may feel emotionally: energized, beautiful, confident
You may feel physically: bloating, slight cramping
Prayer: Dear God, I take this time to remember to thank you in the good times of life, not only the bad. I don’t want to only come to you when I’m feeling down. Today, my focus is on you. I thank you for [name an attribute of God] because [explain why it’s important to you]. Amen
Spiritual Practice: Go out with a friend for coffee and check up on each other spiritually. How are your devotions? Prayer life? Involvement in church? Set a spiritual goal for the next quarter and be accountability partners.
🌸 LUTEAL 🌸
Lasts 10-14 days
You may feel emotionally: stressed, frustrated, irritated, moody
You may feel physically: headaches, bloating, cravings, acne, difficulty sleeping, change in appetite
Prayer: Dear God, I’m not feeling my best right now, but I know that you are with me through every high and low in life. I pray that you would ease my mood swings, filling me with that peace that passes all understanding. I pray that you would help me to remember that even when I’m not feeling my best, I can serve you even if it’s in the smallest of ways. I pray you would help me be intentional in my personal spiritual life as I’m feeling more introverted right now. Please show me any areas of lack, or any areas I can develop further. Amen.
Spiritual Practice: Due to the not-so-good feelings you may be enduring, this might be a good time to get a little more introverted. In your aloneness, fill it with prayer (instead of podcasts or YouTube…I speak from experience!). Add a Psalm or Proverb to your daily devotions (they always relax me). Find a verse to memorize so you can quote it in times you’re feeling extra irritable. It’ll calm you!
Save the prayers to your phone!
