Like A Prayer
Even in the September Texas heat, there is just the slightest hint of fall in the early morning air. It’s the promise of running in more comfortable temperatures that makes fall my favorite time of the year. It also brings back memories of cross country and the words that one of my coaches shared that resonates even more today than it did at the time…“When you’re on your morning run in the cool weather, you just can’t get any closer to GOD even if you were in church.”
Years ago, I read the book, “GOD In All Things” by Jesuit priest and prolific author Father James Martin. Because of my struggles to see GOD in all things, his book is required reading every few years. While this has been a constant struggle, it hasn’t been difficult to find GOD in running.
Running is so much like a prayer, that the Vatican distributes “Prayer of the Marathoner” at the annual Via Pacis half-marathon and at the starting lines of other races. This prayer has been translated into 37 languages and is part of the first official sports association under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for Culture. In Hannah Brockhaus’ article on this new association, Cardinal Gianfranco said, “Effectively, authentic sport is part of one of the basic components of the human being. The history of culture always had a connection with sport.”
On a cool fall morning, when your body is in sync, your breathing is perfectly coordinated with your stride and when your arm carry is effortless because you’ve found a comfortable rhythm, you just can’t help but be thankful for the ability to run. The miracle of creation springs forth in the colors of the leaves and you find GOD in the midst of the family that’s out riding bikes together. As you encounter people on your run, you find GOD in the person who is jogging to lose a few pounds or the man walking to recover from a heart attack. Sharing the morning creates a connection with that person and it transcends our humanity.
If you look close enough, running is not only the tie that binds us to our basic components as a human being, but it’s GOD’s handiwork across mankind. Running brings out the best in us and it serves as the model for how we should live our lives. Don’t believe me? Then look into the eyes of a Special Olympics athlete and you will see the sheer joy of competing and a reckless abandon in which she throws herself into the race. You will see the way we should be in the moment…savoring each moment…living every moment to its fullest. It’s found at the summer track meets where children of every race and ethnicity can be seen cheering each other on. It’s at a Masters track meet where people stand and applaud for the lady, 104 years young, finishing 100 meters. What is found in running is what we want to be every moment of every day.
So yes, GOD can be found in all things and He can certainly be found in running. And if he’s found in running…then running truly is like a prayer.
Reference:
“Vatican’s First Official Sports Association Includes Migrant Members” by Hannah Brockhaus. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vaticans-first-official-sports-association-includes-migrant-members-20773
