It’s funny how easily we can get distracted. In my case it was dealing with a runner’s low that reintroduced the iPod back into my running routine. Without thinking about it, my 0ne-on-one time with God and prayer became less and less on my runs. It’s difficult to pray with Nickelback and DragonForce blowing out your eardrums.

So it came in the form of a simple message on Facebook, from someone commenting on earlier post on spiritual running, that brought about my Easter Eight with God (sort of ironic that that someone’s name was Faith). I left the iPod at home on a gorgeous Easter morning in Las Vegas. After saying my prerun prayer, I headed out on my usual 8-mile course but with my priorities set straight once again.

I don’t want you to think that this is something you need to learn. An exact science it is not. It’s simply using the time you have during your run to talk to God. In my case it starts with a running mantra “He has risen, saved by grace.” I break up the syllables to my stride and that helps clear my mind and lets me focus on the task at hand. Usually after a mile or so, I’m ready. Today being Easter, my mantra fits perfectly and that’s what my runs prayers focused on. It’s not all about prayer though. I use this time to just talk to God. Asking questions, making comments and saying prayers for other runners and cyclists. Living in the moment and appreciating everything He has done and will do in my life.

While I know this may not strike a chord with some of you, I find it spiritually rewarding and I think you will too. This is Our time. Not performed with hundreds of people but my direct connection with God that’s not limited by rituals or time constraints. It’s from my heart and I know that He is running along side me. Not just on that particular run, but running along side me in life.

Next time out, leave your iPod and distractions at home and give it a shot. I think you’ll be surprised at the results.

He has risen. Saved by grace.
RMFR

I’ve been “running the spiritual path” now for about a month and a half. It’s changed my life. I love the quiet moments with God and being at one with my breath. It’s not only enlightening but it transforms you. You know how when you see that really inspirational movie (i.e. Rudy) and you get the chills…actual chills. I’ve attained that with spiritual running. There have been many occasions when I’ve made that connection and God has lifted me up and touched me. Some may call it a “runner’s high” or an “adrenaline high” but I see it as being touched by Him.

The point of this, is that I cheated or at least I felt that I had cheated. During my “slump” a couple of weeks ago, I headed out on a 5 mile run with my iPod. God wasn’t on my iPod – no, somebody MUCH different – Nickelback was. I honestly felt guilt going out on a run with music and apologized profusely in prayer. I needed to give it a shot. I hate to admit it, but the music was good. I had a driving force behind my pace but spiritually my run was empty. I couldn’t commit to a mantra nor could I establish any concentration towards any communication with God. Call it an epiphany or call it a sign, but I came up with a solution on that guitar mashing, profanity laden run.

The following Sunday while attending Central Christian Church here in Las Vegas (Summerlin Campus) I marched right up to the two42 Cafe and purchased all three of the First Wednesday CD’s (First Wednesday is a time when our Church worships with an hour full of inspirational music and fellowship). These are not hymns by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, there’s nothing “old school” about them at all. There’s a full drum kit, electric guitars, a bass and it’s loud!!! The only difference is the message of these songs. One’s about getting drunk and fooling around while the other celebrates and thanks our Lord.

The following day, I tried this experiment/suggestion and it hit the mark. While it may not having the speed guitars of Dragonforce or the hard driving beat of AC/DC, it surpassed any of my rock library hands down. I swear I caught myself singing a couple of times and I know I caught myself “lifting it up to God” several times. But you know what…it felt great. I felt connected and I felt I was communicating with Him the way he intended me too.

I still don’t run with an iPod that often, but when I do, I know that my time spent is going to be meaningful time well spent.