Walking Prayer

As we move toward mid-semester and all of the busyness that comes with it, take a moment to reflect with Jordan Lynden on the power of prayer in life’s busy moments.

Often, I find myself praying in my head or under my breath, usually when a thought spontaneously arises or I just need to get the words out then and there. I do think it is important to find time when you can be still and pray without feeling rushed, but it feels nice to spontaneously pray throughout the day.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with awe and gratitude for the world and people that surround me. Looking at the sky, the plants, the water, and my dog, Buttercup, and cat, Willow, I see so much good that I am blessed to behold. Then there are my friends and family whom I feel so lucky to have. Almost every time I experience this goodness, I must give thanks to God even if my thanks is never enough. Then I must give more thanks to be a recipient of grace despite my shortcomings as a Christian.

Any random thing can pop up during the day and remind me of my faults and mistakes. While I still need to act on my end, I take some breaths to admit to God where I must grow, ask for forgiveness, and ask that He will guide me through growth. I know He already knows, but admitting where I need work sort of lifts the weight of guilt off me. I do not have to go about my day alone with the feeling gnawing at me. I can hold myself accountable and know that I have Someone to guide me.

Oftentimes I am overwhelmed by life. Amidst the whirlwind of stress, I can ask God to help me keep a level head and persevere through impending deadlines or fight through thoughts of self-loathing or pray that God would protect someone else whom I know is in need.

I try to remember to close my impulsive prayers with an affirmation to God that I am still His servant. Though, this is partially a reminder to myself to stay accountable for my actions and character. I am provided and ask for so much, the least I can do is not take the Provider for granted.

Whenever I pray like this, my thoughts are a mess. I tend to apologize for how uncoordinated my words are even though I know God already knows what I am trying to say. However, I suppose it is all the more comforting that I can talk with God on a casual level, and even if I struggle to communicate, He still understands. After all, Scripture states, “The Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you” (1 Chronicles 28:9). Therefore, I should not worry over how eloquently I pray, but rather seeking God in the first place.

This is just a little part of my spiritual formation. If you are curious about how Huntington University comes alongside students in their personal formation, you can learn more at huntington.edu/TheCenter.