Connect with God's spirit on prayerful walks
But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the (Holy) Spirit (responsive to and controlled by and guided by the Spirit); then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
- Galatians 5:16 (MAP)
You see them everywhere - the warmth of springtime entices walkers out of seclusion.
Some walk fast, swinging their arms back and forth with a rhythmic motion as they keep a steady pace. Others display a relaxed and causal attitude and stroll along enjoying the view, stopping to chat with neighbors along the way.
Some passers-by are adorned in special attire such as sweatsuits, gym shoes or headbands to help them perform their mission to walk.
But, regardless of their appearance, or the cadence of their stride, walkers hold the same common bond in their hearts - the desire to get some fresh air and exercise.
With my background as a nurse, I am well aware of the many health benefits a walk can produce. But a good hearty walk is also a great time to open your spirit and let it connect with God's spirit.
We can do this by emptying our minds of worries, fears and troubling concerns, releasing them to our Lord in prayer as we walk.
As we gaze at the natural scenery surrounding our path, we can fill our minds with thoughts of beauty and nature, and pray for those who have spent their time cleaning their yards and planting a bountiful harvest for future blooms.
Praying for the welfare of our community or the specific neighborhood in which we walk can take our worries away and bring blessings to others, as well as ourselves.
Listening to music that praises God and lifts him up is a wonderful way to worship while we walk. It fills our souls with joy. Listening to a teaching that places passages of Scripture verses or is motivational can fill us with revelation and truth, and help us gain new insights to improve our daily lives.
Learning to walk in the spirit is a way to experience the joy and contentment in life.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available for speaking to your group, congregation or event. She can be contacted at Annettee Budzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.