Prayer-walking through Lent

 

God of the Way,

you are the road we travel, and the sign we follow;

you are bread for the journey, and the wine of arrival.

Guide us as we follow in your way, holding on to each other,

reaching out to your beloved world.

And when we stray, seek us out and find us,

set our feet on the path again, and lead us safely home.

In the name of Jesus, our Companion, we pray. Amen.

Voices United 648 

In recent days we've taken advantage of sunnier days and mild weather to walk outside. We would prefer to be cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, but we have enjoyed lots of different trails. We are well aware that the temperatures are unseasonably warm and may will be setting the stage for another record-breaking year on beleaguered Planet Earth. Just the same, we know that physical movement and appreciation of the natural world are vital to health in body, mind, and spirit.

 For Christians through the centuries embarking on pilgrimages, lengthy intentional walks that were often arduous and even dangerous, was an expression of devotion. Jesus embarked on the journey to Jerusalem and the temple for festivals as did other Jews and our acknowledgment of Holy Week involves the culmination of one of those walks. 

Two things come to mind as we begin the 40-day (plus Sundays) journey through Lent. While not all of us are physically mobile, the metaphor of the journey or pilgrimage can be spiritually meaningful. Those of us who are are able to be physically active find time will benefit from outdoor walks even though they may not be the Camino or some other demanding trek. 

Years ago I asked our daughter Jocelyn, a graphic designer, to create some banners for Lent, including the one above. Recently I came upon a little book I discovered thirty years ago called Prayer-Walking by Linus Mundy -- no relation, same spelling. Since the publication  there has been so much written about the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of walking. There is growing research to suggest that developing into upright creatures meant that we evolved to think about when we're ambulatory. I would concur with this from personal experience and I figure I pray more effectively as well. 

Being outside also leads me into a place of gratitude and wonder regarding Creation that is essential to my well-being. My joints may be much creakier today but I will walk first and whimper later.