Confession: I am not a runner. It's funny but the older I get, the more and more I am OK with this fact. At times, it can seem that the entire population is out enjoying this activity whether it be for leisure or exercise. I often, however, will think to myself how easy these athletes make this sport look. Some people just have such an elegant gait that I can find myself imagining that maybe this popular exercise could be in my future. But then reality strikes hard and fast and the visions of taking in so much of the countryside as I run past are quickly put to rest. And so happily, John and I lead up our dog Tzatziki and set out for an enjoyable brisk walk around our neighborhood instead.
Walking is a favorite pastime here in France. There is the daily leisurely walk for one’s dog; or the stroll to the local market to pick up daily food supplies; or even every now and again a “speed walker” can be seen trying to bring up their heart rate for maximum physical advantage. But as my thoughts settle on all of the walking that consumes my daily life right now, I am finding my attention turning over and over again to the spiritual encouragement found in the Scriptures about the topic. As I mull over various passages, I have been highlighting those that have stood out to me. And over time, I have turned these verses into a prayer for both my family and for those who are my family ‘in Christ.’
I thought that I would take the opportunity to share some of my thoughts with you in order to possibly encourage you in your own prayer life or perhaps as you are out walking in your own daily endeavors, you will think of us and pray for our ministry here in France.
Heavenly Father, the Apostle John writes, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth”. (3 John 4) Lord, may they walk in Your truth. But may they not only be found walking in Your truth, but may they continually walk in the freedom that Your truth provides, not enslaved by all the baggage that so easily weighs us down, because it is “for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1) May Your truth pervade every fiber of their lives and lead them …
And as they walk, Lord, may they not only live by the Spirit, but may they also choose to walk by the Spirit, so that they will not gratify the desires of their own flesh. (Galatians 5:16, 25) The world speaks so loudly as to what “truth” is, but may your Spirit guide them as they continue.
And Father, just as the Apostle Paul prayed for those in Colossae, may we "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
I know one day, Lord, our walking here on earth will be done and so I ask of You that my loved ones and I will be able to continue to walk well, while we are here.
Please, Heavenly Father, go before us, go behind us, remain at our sides, undergird us with Your strong right hand and sing sweet songs of deliverance over us until we are together with You in Glory. Amen.
