A prayer for our team

Scott Doyle wrote this prayer for our team. Thanks, Scott, for centering us in the One who called us to this marathon mission and who reigns over all.

Dear Lord,

We humbly acknowledge your splendor. We recognize that you are the author of all that was, all that is, and all that will be. It is through this spirit that we were brought together. Help us to recognize that just as you called the church to be your body, we run to be an extension of your will.

As we praise you, let us first confess that sometimes we doubted. You whispered our name as we witnessed the natural beauty of another Pfiefer loop but sometimes we wanted to quit. How could we possibly go another mile? Faith is easy to talk about but sometimes hard to live. You put mountains in front of us but then patiently taught us how to climb.

Thank you for all that was, all that is, and all that will be. We have been transformed by this journey. It seems like yesterday when we came together for our first training run. How can we forget the mission that you put in front of us? The work you gave us is what helped define us. We, all of us, are meant to be so much more. By guiding us through the good weather and the bad, through the morning and the late night, you have helped us shine a light.

So this is where we are. We now recognize that we are capable of so much more. Through your light we now have the God given audacity to say that this week we will run a marathon. Your spirit is embossed on our heart. Thank you for giving us this time to rest. Thank you for giving us this time to reflect. We recognize that through you all things are possible.

What happens is the providence of your will. We are excited to be your children and look forward to the gift you have put in front of us. Even as we are giddy with excitement we thank you for helping us to realize that through you we have no fear. You help us let go of our anxiety because of the grace you have shown each of us. Come what may, you will is already done. Yes, we are part of the picture, but we recognize you as the artist. You give us the strength to recognize that even if we stumble and are not able to cross that 26.2, we have already taken steps to finish well. Thank you for letting us run and to simply celebrate your joy with others.

We humbly petition you for your guidance as we run. Keep us safe in our travels. Let others see your light as we raise money for those less fortunate. Help us be a living extension of your spirit. Use us as your tools to bring others closer to you. For it is through your strength that we are called to run.

Amen.