Journey to the OlympicsSample

Talking Continually With God

Devotional:

I will never forget the first time a friend invited me to go on a prayer walk with him. Still new in my faith, I thought prayer required a bowed head, closed eyes, and folded hands. To me, praying and walking seemed like a dangerous combination!  Our physical prayer posture can mimic a spiritual position of reverence when we pray, but there are other ways to pray. God invites us into an ongoing conversation with Him throughout the day. Distance runner and Olympic hopeful, Dan Michalski has seen this happen. He has discovered he can have an intimate conversation with God even while training.

The Apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray continually.” Ongoing prayer invites God into every situation and circumstance in our life. We seek his wisdom and direction when we cannot find a solution. We pray for his patience and compassion when talking to a difficult person. And we seek his grace and mercy when we make a poor choice. Praying continually means turning to God in the moment, right as we feel stretched. This works for emotional, mental or even physical challenges. Our spiritual roots grow deep during designated times of prayer. But when we talk to Him throughout the day, we allow God’s influence in our life to spread wide. No matter where you are or what you go through today, invite God into it through prayer. Your Heavenly Father cannot wait to talk through it with you!

Live It Out:   

• Apply: Is there a consistent situation or time of day that makes you feel especially anxious? If so, how might you incorporate prayer into that moment and invite the Father into it with you?   
• Pray: Pray that each athlete would be able to use their gift to glorify God and as a way to connect with Him.