Rev. Brandon Vetter, conference superintendent.

One of the scriptures that has planted itself in my spirit lately is from 2 Chronicles. The king faced invading armies from all sides. The king did not know what to do; it’s not like he had bad options to choose—he had zero.

So, what does he do? He gathers all the people outside, in the new courtyard of God’s temple. Together, the king and the people, looking to the heavens, lift their hands and voices in an authentic and vulnerable prayer: “Lord, we do not know what to do but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV)

I’ve lived through moments where I have had absolutely no clue what to do next. In order to breathe, to find the room to think creatively, to let the Holy Spirit speak and do work in me, I’ve found a few things helpful, like this king did. For me, they are getting outside and vulnerable prayer.

My most regular daily, sometimes twice daily, moving activity is walking our seven-year-old Husky/German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd rescue dog. I make this activity a top priority even in busy seasons, like yearly church conference season and making appointments.

Even as I travel as a district superintendent, movement is a priority. I spent the past week in Pasadena, California, with doctoral work. I still prioritized walking, starting and ending the day moving my body. It allowed me to see the variety of God’s creation in the palm trees, the cacti, and the mountains right next to Pasadena. 

In walks in all seasons, I find myself enjoying the simplicity of kicking the leaves as they pile up on the sidewalk and the satisfying crunch of ice as winter sets in. In addition to the physical health benefits, movement helps me break down the blocks by hearing from God in prayer to help find a path forward with whatever I’m dealing with.

I love that the king not only got the people outside but joined them in lifting an authentic prayer in worship with their whole bodies. This unlocks the power of God’s people together, to find solutions and to hear the Holy Spirit speak in community. We do not need to struggle alone; we’re designed by God to carry, to pray, and to move towards Jesus together.

As we live through uncertain and volatile times together, may you make time for movement and vulnerable prayer, to receive clarity on the next Holy Spirit step for you.

Additional Resource: 

Consider the “Seasonal Walk Guides” and other resources for moving and connecting with God in nature from The Center for Spirituality in Nature.