Spiritual Practice
Walking My Prayers
I have trouble sitting still to pray. My mind works better when my body is active. Every morning, I walk for an hour. For about forty-five minutes of that hour, I pray. I like to walk the same route. Otherwise, I would be too busy looking at new scenery to concentrate on praying.
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
I start by focusing on what I know will happen during the day; and I commit those times, events, and people to God. Then I pray for my extended family, the people in my church, and my colleagues. I name each person and commit him or her to God. Then I look around and give thanks for what I see: the birds, the people in the houses I pass, the beauty of the plants, the drama of the weather.
I pray at other times too—quick prayers during the day, prayers of review and thanksgiving at night.
Without this discipline, I easily get distracted. With a routine for prayer, I feel closer to and more comfortable with God.
When and where do God’s people pray?
Read the following passages to find out!
—from devozine (May/June 2010). Copyright © 2010 by The Upper Room®. All rights reserved.