Confession: I am not a runner. The older I get, the more I am OK with this fact. I often will think to myself as I watch someone else running past, “Wow. How easy they make it look.” However, slowing the pace down just a bit and enjoying a good walk is something that you will often find John, Tzatziki and myself doing throughout our week. 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 will you in order to possibly encourage you in your own prayer life or perhaps as you are out walking in your own daily life, 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.
I know one day, Lord, our walking here on earth will be done and I ask 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.
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