Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. (Psalm 143:8)

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 6:00 am you can find me with a cup of coffee and one cookie (it used to be two!), ready to spend some time alone with God. How this started, I no longer remember, but it has been going on for 30 years. The location has changed through the years; a favorite chair in the living room, a quiet spot on the patio in the summertime, sitting near the water or staring at the woods.

In 2020, I have had a need to be outdoors more and began taking daily walks in the early morning hours. Those walks have turned into prayer time. Sometimes, I just begin with overwhelming thankfulness for the beautiful morning, other times, I have real concerns for the problems of the day, with my family, my friends, my world around me.

Walking and talking with God is so calming. Sometimes, I just listen for His input and He reassures me that He is still in charge. Yes, sometimes, ideas and thoughts pop into my head on a new way to deal with the very concerns I shared with Him. I often say, “Was that you God?”

We are now in the Advent Season of the church year and daily walks depend on the temperatures, the direction and pace the wind is coming from, and safety of walking surfaces. I find myself, back in my favorite chair, with devotionals and my bible, connecting with God. We are preparing for Christmas in all the usual ways. Mornings are a great time to reflect on the season at hand and appreciate what it means to believe that a baby born in Bethlehem came to save us from the troubles of the world. He said, “Come to me with all your concerns” “I will be with you.” What a great time of the year it is!

Prayer: Lord, I anticipate the celebration of Your birth and I anticipate Your return. May I forever be in an “advent” frame of mind, excited about spending time with You. Amen.

Jan Zastrow
Small Group Leader