adventures in hiking...

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am no athlete!  But I do love to go hiking, especially for some time alone.  There is no greater way (that I've discovered yet) for me to rejuvenate/be restored than to get in the great outdoors alone where I can simply focus on two things: making sure I don't trip... and talking with/listening for God.  I took advantage of a free Tuesday this week and went on my thought/prayer adventure.  I try not to go with an agenda so that I can simply allow God to bring to my mind the things I need to confess, request, drop, change or forget about.

My prayer life has changed so much over the last few years, especially the last two.  I find that I've moved from a more formal, structured prayer time to more of a conversation with God... sharing what it is that's on my heart, telling him what I'm thrilled about and thankful for, what I'm afraid of and dreading, what I want to see happen in the lives of others and myself.  And, although this is more difficult, I try to spend part of the time just shutting up, allowing God to put into my mind anything that he is interested in talking to me about.

Do I ever hear an audible voice?  No, I never had.  But I can say without a doubt that I do 'hear' from God through gentle confirmations and sometimes stern convictions.  But I don't say that to limit what God can do in my life.  If he wants me to hear an audible voice, I'm sure he will do just fine at getting the job done.

God doesn't speak to each person the same way.  So, I will resist telling you that you have to pray the way I do.  But I do think it is crucial that every believer find out how it is that God desires to speak to you and works in your life.  Don't know what that is?  Take the time to figure it out.  Try different approaches.  You know yourself fairly well and know what kinds of things distract you from him or draw you toward him.  For example, I can't pray that well when I am surrounding by whatever I am working on.  Why?  Because I can't help but keep thinking about those things.  Separation is key for me.  But it might not be for you.  Some find their best prayer time comes while exercising (and no, I am not talking about just praying, "God help me to get through this!").  Others find driving in the car is a good time.  The key is to discover your method and then do it.

Prayer is a gift.  It is not hard.  It is not something to be feared or dreaded.  It is the path to a deeper, more meaningful and real relationship with your Creator and Savior.  It is a channel to real power in your life.  If you are missing a prayer life, you are truly missing something BIG!