Prayer Running, Part 2

This photo sum up anyone else's life besides mine? How many days do you feel like you're at work, trying to get something done, when someone in your family calls? Normally, you wouldn't take a personal call in the office, but you figure since you're working through lunch to finish your task, it's permissible. As if that's not enough, your legs are cramping from sitting at that desk all morning, and you just feel the need to do some bicep curls. (Personally, I usually go for jumping jacks.)

Life calls for multitasking. I look for opportunities to do more than one thing at a time. For example, when I get home from the gym in the morning, I brew the coffee while I am in the shower. Then, I fix breakfast for James and I so my hair can air dry a little and it doesn't take as long with the hairdryer. Then, I do my makeup while the straightener heats up, etc. I think he's used to it now, but when we first got married, James was just so frustrated with my routine. "Can't you just do one thing at a time?" I looked at him like he had three heads.

But that wasn't the first time I heard that question. I first discovered praying while running during my senior year of high school. Running seemed like one of the only times of my day when I was truly focused on one task. At this time in my life, I was also very frustrated with my prayer relationship with God. It wasn't that I didn't have anything to say. (That's never a problem for me. I've been told I could make a brick wall talk back.) But everytime I would try and pray, my sister would come in my room, or my cell phone would ring. There was always a distraction. That's when I had the bright idea, "No one can interrupt me if they can't catch me!" So I started praying on my morning run.

For the first time, my prayer life soared. I talked to God without distractions. I made a new discovery when I started marathon training. After about 6 miles, I can't carry on a conversation anymore. I was forced to listen to God. I promise He'll speak if you give Him a chance to get a word in!

I was on track for about a year...and then, I got an iPod for Christmas. So excited to finally have the latest running toy, I couldn't wait to try it out on my next run. And I began ignoring God.

I didn't stop praying. But once I again, I would get distracted. How effective can a prayer really be when it consists of, "God, please bless Jeff and Staci as they minister to Your people in Botswana...ooohhh I love this song! ::Singing:: What will people say when they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak? What will people do when they find out it's true?:: Oh, man, what was I saying? Oh yeah, help me to be a strong witness to Jerred in my math class."

I didn't notice a change in my running. My pace stayed the same, my endurance didn't change. The beat of the music didn't propel my legs faster at all! I did notice a difference somewhere else - my relationship with God. I had gone back to a popcorn prayer mentailty. When something in life popped up that I needed, I prayed. Other than that, we were casual aquaintences when I would show up to His house on Sundays and mid-week bible study.

That summer, I stepped outside to run, but it was too hot. I decided it was a treadmill day. So I headed to the gym. But when I opened my gym bag, I was horrified to discover...my precious iPod was on the charger at home.

Don't panic, I told myself. You can do this. You ran forever without one. Just pray. No big deal.

You know those friends that it doesn't matter how long it's been since you've seen then, but everytime you talk, it's like you never left each other? That's how my prayer run went that day. I talked to God through seven miles (I got the extra one in...I had too much to say!) When I finally stopped to listen, I was overwhelmed with the thought of, "I've missed you."

Here's what's really beautiful. It wasn't just me who missed God. GOD MISSED ME. Me - a somewhat annoying little blonde with a squeaky voice that doesn't come with a "Mute button!

Scripture tells us that our God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:4-6, Exodus 34:14, Deuteronomy 6:15). He doesn't take it well when we are not spending time with Him, not talking to Him, and not taking time to listen.

This is a challenge for you to figure out what works best for you. Maybe God fills you with words to say to Him when you listen to praise music as you run like Gabrielle. Or maybe you are a little to ADHD like me, and you need to limit your multi-tasking when it comes to your relationship with God.

Whatever works for you, give God the dedication and undivided attention He deserves. On your mark, get set, GO!