It’s not a metaphor. It’s a discipline.
The pace and ease of our world has made prayer a challenge for young and old alike. Let me offer one way to get your prayer life moving…literally.
In every town I’ve ever lived I have had access to biking or walking trails. Having a passion for rollerblading, these trails are a true gift. Without the worry of cars or uneven sidewalks I’ve zipped along many trails during my time. A few months ago I found a profound new use for these trails. I came into a season of life where I had a bit more free time than I was used to, so one day I decided to go for a walk. Walking by myself is something that’s out of my normal routine so as I was walking I began to pray. The praying and the walking went on for some time. Before I knew it, I’d gone further down this particular trail than I’d ever gone before. I’d gotten lost with God.
I so enjoyed the walk that I began to make a habit of it. The combination of creation, solitude and activity blended together offering me a great opportunity to both speak to and hear from God.
Let me challenge you to change “Walking with God” from a very cliche metaphor into a powerful appointment. As you begin let me offer you a few suggestions to help get started on the right foot.
First, pick a trail that surrounds you with God’s creation. Go online to your cities web site and search around if you don’t already know the location of a trail.
Second, as you begin your walk, set out with a distance in mind. One mile out and then one mile back. This will help you break up your time into different areas of focus for prayer.
Third, starting walking AND talking. I usually spend the first portion of my walk with God talking. I’ll go to him with my worries and concerns first. I’m usually never lacking in this department. Then I usually turn to things I need to confess (another area that is never lacking). As I finish the first leg of my trip I usually start worshiping God. Sometime, if there aren’t many people around I’ll sing. At other times I’ll just thank God for certain things He’s done in my life.
If I’m walking two miles I’ll turn around at the one mile mark and start heading back. The journey back is much quieter than the journey out. I’ve gotten everything off my chest and now it’s time to listen. God speaks, and as I progress, sometimes it’s in silence while other times I find myself in dialogue with God on the promptings He’s laid in my heart.
Prayer is not boring, it’s invigorating. Prayer is personal, powerful and intimate. So tie those laces this week and walk with God…REALLY!
Community Questions:
What are some creative ways you’ve made prayer meaningful in your life?
Where is a good place in your community to walk with God?
