Aerobic Intercession

2/27/13 Winter 2012's Anglican Digest article "Aerobic Intercession" was sent to me by my friend Margie H. It "hit my prayer concern spot" as I have several friends in some very hard places physically and I am burdened to pray "without ceasing" for them. But...how do I pray continually? 

Rev. Harrelson's article offered some prayer points to ponder. As the spiritual seeker in The Way of the Pilgrim prayed along his journey by repeating simple prayers, Harrelson too realized that he could pray for others by synchronizing his prayers words with his physical movements while exercising on his treadmill.

Though the writer's choice of prayer words were very specific, I considered the value of his practice. I desire time for prayer and meditation and am often frustrated when my "urgent" schedule tends to interfere. Physical therapy has taken up a good deal of my allotted weekly hours both at the clinic and also at home when practicing my assigned exercises. 

Why not use this time as a reminder to practice ceaseless inner prayer and communion with God with a focus on prayers for those others for whom I am so concerned. 

Thus, my own brand of aerobic intercessory prayer. I begin in cadence with my inhaling and exhaling, using their names with my very breath, whether spoken or thought.  With my physical movements, I add my thankfulness for my relationship with them and this privileged time of prayer. 

Desires and petitions.....Mercy for _____. Diminished pain for______. Miracle for ______. No side effects for_______. Loving comfort for_______. Extra grace for_______. Healing from surgery for_______. 

Handaches. Headaches. Cancer pain. Heartaches. Barrenness. Ankles, shoulders, hips and knees. All placed at the throne of grace.

Ending with praising God for His love and mercy and thanking Him for His best in each situation.

It doesn't look like a prayer position but I sense that God "hears" my aerobic intercessions and will answer in His good and perfect will for each individual life.