Power walking: next time you go for a walk, invite a heavenly Friend to join you.

You've heard of power shopping, power mowing, maybe even power talking! But are you familiar with power walking? The fact that you're reading Vibrant Life indicates that you're already familiar with the benefits of a walking program. But how about power walking with the emphasis not on physical energy but on spiritual strength?

About three years ago I decided to begin a walking program. Just a couple of miles a day. My young adult daughter had started walking and was putting me to shame, especially since she'd never been any too fitness-minded up to that point. I started seeing the benefits she was gaining and decided that if she could do it, I could too.

I've always been a person of prayer, but wanted to experience a deeper, more fervent communion with my heavenly Father. So I thought, Why not combine prayer time with walking time? After all, God hasn't specified that prayer time must be on bended knee. That's how power walking was born.

Sunrise Rendezvous

My early-morning walks, highlighted by metallic orange sunrises, the scent of fresh-cut hay, and orchestrated by untitled wildlife symphonies, formed the perfect setting for meeting with God. When I could see, hear, smell, and touch Him through His creation, talking to Him came naturally. The more I talked, the faster I walked! Beginning prayer with praise proved easy when I was surrounded by the Creator's handiwork. Praise flowed effortlessly into confiding in Him about my problems, needs, and sins. After being cleansed daily by my forgiving Creator, I found myself pleading with Him on behalf of others. All the while, I was taking in the benefits of physical exercise and fresh air.

My walking program began with a resolution to firm up the jiggle zones of my body and gain aerobic benefits. Sure enough, my muscles started firming. I became less winded during physical challenges. My mind grew clearer. But those were only the side benefits of power walking. What really got me out of bed each morning was my appointment with God. When 6:00 a.m. arrived, I was there! My Creator and I had matters to discuss that just couldn't wait!

New Paths to Follow

When the change of seasons plunged 6:00 a.m. into total darkness, I had to alter my venue just a bit. Instead of walking on the road, I began to transverse our own property. I simply selected a "power strip" of land and walked back and forth. This spot became just as meaningful as the long road I'd previously journeyed. It's not the location, or the distance traveled, that matters most. It's the company you keep that makes power walking rewarding.

So taken was I with my special exercise Partner, I started walking along my "power strip" at night. The stars shone beautifully, and the moon hung overhead. Someone I knew personally was keeping them all there.

I highly recommend combining walking with daily prayer to anyone who wants to enjoy physical and spiritual health. Martin Luther claimed to have spent one hour in prayer each day. If it was to be a busy day, he said he'd set aside two hours for prayer! Dwight Moody, the great evangelist, said that every successful revival can be traced back to one person on his or her knees. Do you know anyone in your life who needs your prayers for spiritual revival? Is that someone you? Perhaps it's time for you to start your own power walking program. Consider these suggestions:

Choose a Time: If you make an appointment with another person, you have to make sure the time is right for both of you. With God, He's ready whenever you are!

Choose a Place: The less traffic, the better. Make it outdoors if possible so you can enjoy the benefits of nature. Remember, God will walk with you anytime, anyplace. If you're forced to do your power walking where there are other people, don't be intimidated. If your selected path is on a health-club treadmill, say to the person exercising next to you, "I'm using this time to pray for myself and for others. Do you have anything you'd like for me to pray about?" You'll quickly discover that you're not the only one with challenges in life.

Make a List: Names, dates, situations that need prayer. Your list will probably grow. So will your prayer time because you'll have to start adding all those thank-You prayers!

Listen: Sometimes when I'm confused about something--especially a spiritual matter--I'll just ask God a question and wait. I've been surprised how often an answer or impression of peace will be delivered. There's power in quiet time with God.

God is a Foul-weather Friend: Iowa winters can get a bit nippy. There are some days that I can't do my usual power walking outdoors. So I head for the great indoors. I simply power-walk about the house.

Acknowledge God All Day Every Day: I've discovered that the greatest benefit of power walking is that it not only provides both spiritual and physical exercise; it motivates me to acknowledge God's presence in my life throughout the day. It's hard to get mad at people when you've been with God. It's nearly impossible to utter an unkind word when you've just spoken to your Creator. It's eas-ier to handle challenges when you've contemplated the challenges faced and overcome by Jesus.

Perhaps you're the type who prefers swimming, or jogging, or hiking, or mountain climbing. Great! Try adding "power" to your activity. I think you'll find, as I did, that prayer and exercise are a winning combination anywhere, anytime.

Freelance writer and special education tutor Gwen Scott Simmons does her power walking in Centerville, Iowa. She's the wife of Mark and Mom to Kate and Jon. She also loves power gardening and power motorcycling and teaching homeschool students how to write. You can visit her Web site at: www.writeonagain.com.