Hope, Faith, and Fitness

They came as young as eight and as mature as 78. The sun was still rising, struggling to break through the mist, fog, and thick overcast clouds. Yet these committed faith-walkers were undeterred. They brought their umbrellas and raincoats and laced up their shoes to walk and pray together.

Before the walk, these seasoned prayer warriors gathered to receive their marching orders—a simple prayer focus and reflection strategy for the day. They offered prayer and then set off to walk, reflect, pray, share, and enjoy God’s creation.

Along the path, there were numerous reflections and lessons from nature. Walkers shared favorite Bible verses and explained why those passages connected deeply with them. Testimonies were shared throughout the walk, reminders of God’s providence as they prayed and asked for new mercies. Stories of divine intervention, miraculous moments, and hopes for the future echoed along the trail. Yet the walk remained unique for each participant.

There was 8-year-old Ethan, who used the time to create videos on a cell phone, capturing nature and sharing spiritual thoughts as he walked. Young Ethan is a true storyteller. Then there was 78-year-old Lynn, who gently mentored college students and adults all along the way. It was clear this moment was sacred and special for each individual walker.

The walk began at the pool and followed the trail to the Stone Chapel, where the group gathered once more—reunited after walking at their own pace. In the shadow of the chapel, with clouds beginning to retreat before the spreading rays of sun, they shared more reflections and concluded with a season of prayer.

These walking prayer warriors were all smiles. Their bodies had been tuned and primed for the day’s activities—but more importantly, their hearts had been fine-tuned once again to the voice of God.

—Christopher C. Thompson

photos by Courtney Herod & Christopher C. Thompson