I workout regularly, mainly training for triathlon races, which involves swimming laps, running and cycling. So, I spend a lot of time in the pool, on my legs, and on my bike. I have been blessed to have enjoyed good health and physical wellness. What things have hampered me–injuries, soreness–I’ve been able to treat and rehab and keep on going. However, after I broke my foot in a car wreck three years ago, I became empathic of what it felt like to be disabled and immobile. I hope to never take my physical ability for granted ever again. Because of this consciousness of my wellness, and its vulnerability to disruption, I say a prayer before every run, swim, or bike ride.
Recently, I agreed to help a friend who asked for some bicycle training and nutrition advice. She isn’t looking to do any races. She just wants to feel better. She asked if I knew anyone who could help her. She was surprise when I told her, “I can!” I explained to her, that, as a pastor it is my calling to care for the whole person–mind, body, and soul. Jesus came as Human-Divine, God-enfleshed, and sits on the throne at the right hand of God as Human-Divine, God-enfleshed. So, it follows that our human bodies are important and valuable to God. Shepherding people in the care of their physical health is as important as leading them in spiritual growth and discipleship. I decided I would share this prayer with her, and hope that becomes her prayer with whatever adaptations she wants to make.
Because I also care about you, I’m going to share it with you too:
Gracious and Merciful God, we thank you for this day, that we awoke with the miracle of breath and beating heart. We thank you for the will, the motivation, and the ability to move our mind, body, and soul today. Help us in our fitness, that we would come to resemble more closely the human form that you originally created us to have. Bodies that worked and walked and tended creation. Help us to be mindful of your presence with us in the things we hear, see, and smell as we exercise. Keep us safe, may we not push our bodies too much or too little. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
The Runnin' Rev 