Mornings are my favorite time to run. As I head out the door, the new day has yet to take shape. There are so many possibilities. An early morning run is an excellent time to begin the day in prayer. Indeed, I’ve found running to be a form of prayer. I agree with the ishouldberunning.com blog that prayer and running go hand-in-hand.
I didn’t start running to strengthen my spiritual life. Instead, I began because I wasn’t happy with my dad’s gut. But as I have turned running into a habit, I’ve found the practice to be just as spiritual as physical.
How do you connect with God? How do you make running a form of prayer? The following steps have helped me.
Prepare the Night Before
I found checking the weather and being prepared the night before saves precious time and mental energy the following day.
- Is it going to be cold? I make sure gloves and the right clothes are ready
- Is it going to be humid, mosquito-friendly weather? I locate the insect repellant
- Do I need water? I have a water bottle ready and chilled if needed
Taking a few minutes to be sure I don’t have to stumble around in the morning and risk waking the family saves time and stress the next day.
Begin the Morning with a Prayer of thanks
When I wake up, I begin with a thanksgiving prayer before I do anything else. It helps me to have the right mindset.
There is little to distract me from a heart of gratitude at this time of the morning. If I get up before anyone else, the stillness and quiet set me up to frame the day in a positive light.
Besides, just the fact I can wake up and am physically able to go running gives me much to be thankful for.
Keep Phone Use to a Minimum
If I am not careful, my phone gives me too much information I neither need nor want as I start my day. Notifications about depressing news, mindless entertainment, and provocative podcasts can easily distract and move me away from God. Yes, it’s a constant struggle.
It doesn’t help that I use my phone to track my runs. When distractions become a trend, I’ll leave my phone behind and let my smart watch track the miles. Or I will leave my earbuds behind. That way, my phone is with me if I need it for safety, but notifications, podcasts, and music aren’t distracting me.
My challenge is to make my phone use a choice instead of letting social media algorithms and click-bait headlines control my attention. I’ve discovered that while these influencers may want my attention, they don’t necessarily care about my well-being or my time with God. Besides, He deserves my full attention.
Be in the Present
I can be in the present when I keep distractions to a minimum on my run. This allows me to be attentive to listening and speaking to God. I can focus on what is going on around me. The smell of the overnight rain, the moon insisting it shines through the clouds, and the first chirps of the early birds can ground me to where I am right now.
Keep at it Even When it’s Hard
Some days, running will feel like a breeze.
- Your feet will glide along with ease
- The weather is perfect
- You feel a deep connection with God as you pray
Other times, you feel like you are running against the wind. Resistance will come. It rarely makes sense, and it feels rough. But I’ve found the best way to combat times of resistance is to push back. That said, when it’s raining, some will call you resilient for running, while others will call you crazy.
That doesn’t mean you should run through a physical injury. I’ve tried that a few times, and all that accomplishes is more forced time away from running.
It does mean that when the weather isn’t cooperating, you’ve had a bad day, or you don’t feel like praying, do it anyway. We all go through trying times. I’ve found it’s best to keep moving forward when you don’t feel like it. Getting to the other side is worth it.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope this has helped you consider running or walking as a form of prayer. If you are already active, you may be surprised how this added practice enhances your activity. Try it today, and let me know how it has worked for you.
