When Nike first began making running shoes they created a model that was lime green with a blue swoosh-stripe and yellow trim. They were the cutting- edge of running-shoe technology, and I owned a pair. I think back about how proud I was of those shoes and wonder, Why? Those were the ugliest shoes ever--even uglier than clogs. In fact, as we say in Texas and Oklahoma, they were "plumb eat up with ugly."

But I ran. Miles and miles and miles. I logged many wonderful memories of great runs in all kinds of weather wearing those ugly-green, never-again-made running shoes.

One morning I was sitting on the porch steps attempting to pray, but I was really just staring at my green shoes. Prayer can be so frustrating, and it was in those days. It was filled with good intentions left unfulfilled, prayer lists not prayed over, and dread at the thought of kneeling on the cold floor beside my warm bed. In fact, sitting on the steps was an effort to find a location where I could pray successfully.

My thoughts began drifting as I stared at my shoes and my imagination went out running. As soon as I recognized that I was mentally on a run instead of mentally on my knees, the guilt of another failed prayer time began lapping over my mind's levee. Ordinarily I would have refocused on my intent to pray, apologized to the Lord for being at the wrong place during my time with Him, and redoubled my efforts to accomplish my perfunctory prayer.

But I was on what would become one of those great runs in my green shoes even though I never moved from the porch steps. I had a revelation: I was praying while I was running.

Failure wasn't part of this prayer time. I was having a great time talking with the Lord while my imagination ran. (No, I didn't notice whether His were green). He and I were communicating, talking about the things on my prayer list as well as the sights and sounds around us. I enjoyed being with Him, and I got the distinct impression that He enjoyed being with me. There was friendship, rapport, pursuit of a common cause, joys shared, togetherness.

One great run leads to another. My imaginations of the morning translated into reality that afternoon. I headed out on a marvelous, four-mile run with a close friend. He called it prayer, and I agreed with Him.

My knees won't let me run anymore, and the green shoes passed on long ago. But I ride my bike, and I walk, and I fish, and I think, and I sit on the porch steps, and I pray. As nearly as I can tell, this is what Paul means when he says, "Pray without ceasing" (I Th. 5:17).

On another front, no matter where I am--home, hotel, pension, guest room, or tent--my morning begins exactly the same way. Apart from the necessities of life, I don't do much of anything until I stretch and limber up my cranky, old back. Regardless of what else is on my mind, I am in the habit of praying--mostly for my benefit since Father already knows--and declaring that I choose to walk in the light of His life today. As you know, trusting God has been a major struggle for me, so I additionally declare, "And Father, I choose to trust you today."

Prayer takes many forms, just as normal communication does. While the subjects of my routine prayer times tend to be rather random and far ranging, my morning prayer is ritualistic by design. It is important for me to make a determination to depend upon and trust Father--regardless.

There have also been times in my life when my prayer life benefited from a formula. The Lord's prayer in Matthew 6 provides a model I have appreciated. It begins, "Our Father who art in Heaven." This is a great opener. It reminds us who we are addressing and how He prefers to be addressed. True, He is God, but Jesus set the precedent for us when He called God, "Father."

The next line, "Hallowed be Thy name," is a guide reminding us that Father appreciates hearing our compliments and recognition that He truly is a magnificent individual. To be candid, I like hearing the same sort of thing from those around me. Why would Father--in whose image we are created--not appreciate hearing our celebration of who He is?

"Thy kingdom come. / Thy will be done, / On earth as it is in heaven," reads verse ten. This is the opportunity to respond to who Father is with your hopeful desire that His reign will extend into all areas of your life. In this you declare your allegiance to Him. "Father, please reign over my world, but more personally, please reign in my life today."

When Jesus modeled in prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread," He was leading us to understand that our Father is the one who cares for us. We do not care for ourselves or meet our own needs. What are the issues before you? What are your concerns? What is on your mind? Discuss these matters with Father.

When reciting the model prayer orally in a group, unless the group recites these verses together regularly, then a third of the folks say "trespasses," a third say "debts," and a third mumble not knowing what to say. Either way, this is the point at which we talk with Father about the matters that plague us with failure. Of course, Jesus was modeling this prayer prior to the accomplishment of our forgiveness through His sacrifice, but there is always benefit in understanding our shortcomings and owning them. "Father, I failed to act as the person you have declared me to be. I'm sorry."

Our enemy, the devil, is alive and well. While we live in a sensory world, the real world is spiritual, and it is a dangerous, world at war. "Deliver us from evil," Jesus prayed. In other words, call upon Father to protect you, to guard your heart, to watch over you, and help you rest in your security in Christ.

"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever." Circumstantially, it appears to be bad for the home team. By voicing His confidence in Father's authority, Christ modeled His hope in the One who is all powerful. He then sealed His prayer with finality, "Amen."

More than anything else our Father wants to communicate with us. Prayer is the catch-all term for the forums where this takes place. Talk, but listen too. Tell Him you are listening. Ask Him to help your proficiency at recognizing His voice. Look for Him in His word. In your heart, discuss His will with Him as you read, listen, and pray.

Pursue His lead. Hope in Him. He says He will never leave you and that there is not a place so remote that He will not join you. He will meet you anytime, anywhere, regarding any subject. Think of interacting with Him as you would your closest, dearest friend. After all, He also says He is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother.