PRAYER AND EXERCISE

About nine years ago, at age 33, I began to feel my energy was no longer the same as when I was younger. I got tired faster than usual. Recovery time from sickness was longer than usual. I just was not the same person of ten years back. So it was then that I decided to change things.

At the advice of some friends and a doctor, I embarked on an exercise regimen. I started jogging (at first, it was just brisk walking) around our village premises every morning before I would go to work. In a matter of days, I noticed a big difference with how I felt. The energy boost was motivation enough to wake up early, change into running gear, and jog outdoors.

But as the weeks, months and even years wore on, the whole thing became boring. Each lap around the village became a challenge to finish; and the thought of going an extra round was not an exciting prospect.

This experience is very similar with prayer. We all want to start the day and end it with enough spiritual energy. But as the weeks, months and years wear on, our time for prayer becomes boring and a big challenge.

One of the ways I overcame boredom with exercise was to develop a variety of routines. Today my routines include running, basketball, badminton (with my kids), and (until recently) golf. I am now looking at doing boxing with one of my sons next summer.

I have found this to be just as helpful with prayer. By having a variety of practical prayer practices I have been able to reverse the problem of boredom and have been able to pray more consistently.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)