Me? A Prayer Runner?

Mar 10, 2021

It happened  quite by accident.

Mornings began early with me putting on my running shoes

and leaving my house.

 It was just beginning to grow lighter

and my running settled into a moderate pace.

Listening to the awakening birds.

Watching the first light.

Admiring the flowers with dewdrops on their petals.

My first prayers were ones of thanks.

“Thank you, Lord, for creating such a beautiful world.”

“Thank you for the birds singing in the early morning.”

Thank you, God.”

And gradually my conversation with God changed to

“Forgive me, Lord, for worrying about that.

Help me to trust you.”

My conversations with God were an undistracted time

when I could simply pour out my heart.

“Boy, I really need wisdom in handling that….”

One thought after another became a prayer.

Sharing with the One I loved more than anything or anyone

and listening to His quiet whisper.

My steps kept on and so did my conversation with the Father.

Somehow my prayers grew deeper out there on the streets

in the early morning.

Somehow I sensed I had connected with His Pleasure

as I ran.

Hills became nothing as I was deep in my conversations.

Way before I was ready to be done

my morning run was over

and I showered and dressed for my job as a first grade teacher.

But these prayer runs set a foundation for me.

One that focused me, nourished my soul, and grew within me

a relationship that has been so precious through the years.

Yes, I could have prayed at home

Or in the car

Or at a church

But for me, this rhythm of prayer runs

Became a place where I knew and was known.

God seemed to run with me.

Smiling His pleasure.

Some folks have discovered the benefit of prayer walks.

But for me, the prayer runs are the diamonds

in the midst of ordinary living.

Through them I have been transformed

from a stressed out woman to one who is continually growing stronger.

And if one day I’m not able to run and pray

I will walk

always enjoying the wonder

that He walks with me and talks with me.

That wonder never grows old.

2 Comments

  1. Valerie Caraotta

    You inspire me Sharon not just with your running but with your positive outlook. During days I feel melancholy I think of the many positive posts and picture you give us and it helps turn dark days into bright ones. Thank you for all your encouragement.

    Reply
    • SharonBrani

      Thank you, Valerie. When I look around it’s dark and getting darker but when I look up it’s almost as if I can taste the glorious future and so together we run the race He has set for us. Your words mean so much to me, dear friend.

      Reply

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