The inspiration for this post was a particularly grueling, fourteen mile hike I did recently in my prepartion for my upcoming Pike's Peak hike. I recently hiked a fourteen mile loop in Boulder that hits all three major summits; South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, and Green Mountain. At about the eleventh or twelth mile, I felt fatigued to the point of exhaustion, but found strength, as I usually do when hiking, through the unique opportunity to be alone with only nature, myself and my God.

A Hiker's Prayer

Oh Lord, guide me along Your paths. Make straight Your way before me. Set my foot firmly upon the sureness of the rock. Your glorious creation shouts your praise. The wonder of its beauty soothes my restless soul. Your love song to me is whispered in the high mountain wind and resonates along bubbling brooks.

Watch over me and protect me from all danger. Bring me safely home from Your majestic heights and walk beside me as I explore Your untamed wilderness. For You are my strength. You lift me on wings like eagle's and deliver me from harm. I will not grow faint or weary, for You are with me.

Let our communion continue here forever. Here in the quiet beauty of Your creation, let me sing Your love song back to You. You are the giver of all good things; everything I have, the very breath I breathe came from You and I use it now to sing Your praise.

When the way seems too steep, Jesus, You are my strength.
When danger lurks in unseen bends, Jesus, You are my strength.
When my body aches and I lose heart, Jesus, You are my strength.
When I feel like giving up, Jesus, You are my strength.
From my first step to my last, Jesus, You are my strength.
Jesus, You are my strength.