Around Ogden

Thursday, October 7

I'll try to be brief today. I parked my car at the Ogden Safety Center at 1 PM and began my prayer walk.

Today, I prayed the pattern commonly called, "The Lord's Prayer. I particularly enjoyed praying for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done right here in Ogden. This city needs to experience the Kingdom beyond mere theology, thought, or theory. This city needs to experience the power of God's Sovereign reign. The people of Ogden need to experience the reality of the God who changes lives and confirms His word with signs, wonders, and miracles!

I spoke to everyone who would make eye contact with me . . . a couple of guys seated at a sidewalk table outside a restaurant on 25th Street, a hair stylist sweeping dust out the door of her salon, a jogger, the taco stand vendor who really wanted some paying customers . . .

A lot of people ride their bicycles on the sidewalk, which presents potential problems when they are approaching quietly from behind! I nearly stepped in front of one guy . . . he turned in his seat, grinned brightly, and said, "I tried to figure out which way you were going to weave!" I laughed and said, "I'll try to walk straight, but it's not easy!"

I walked and talked with a young man for about a block. Our paths merged when he came out of parking lot by the Human Services buildings. I asked if he worked at the center, and he said he gets counselling there. We talked about the weather, then he headed south on Washington when I turned north. I enjoyed the opportunity to practice my conversation-with-strangers skills. I want to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit with I have such opportunities.

I used my knowledge of Geometry to zig and zag my route without diminishing the distance I am walking. This enables me to investigate new sidewalks. I put my hands on the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd as I passed . . . I prayed for a dramatic move of God in that strategically placed ministry.

I saw a large sign on a four-story building. The word "Lighthouse" stood out on top, running in the horizontal . . . then I saw the word "Electric" running vertically down the front of the building. On the ground floor was another business named "Lighthouse Lounge" . . . I got a chuckle from all that, because "Lighthouse" is not my favorite name for a local church.

I battled temptation once more while passing "Farr Better Ice Cream Parlour." They really do have great ice cream, shakes, malts, sundaes, fresh fudge . . .

Speaking of ice cream, I saw the most unusual sight yesterday. On one corner of the plaza at Washington and 25th is a small lunch establishment offering buffalo burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream. Yesterday, I noticed a John Deere tractor parked in a small fenced area, near the food vendor. As I approached, I could not make out the purpose of the attachment behind the tractor. When I investigated further, I found two large homemade ice cream makers powered by the tractor! Now that's a truly useful machine!

I finished my walk at 2 PM, climbed in the car, and drove north away from downtown, wondering, "What did I accomplish today?" "What AM I doing?" "Why am I doing this?"

Re-examining my decision to prayer walk around Ogden, I recalled my initial inspiration was Joshua and the Children of Israel marching around Jericho. But, God had not promised me any particular accomplishment or victory. No, going into this week of walking I knew that the real purpose involved what God wants to do in me. I have become comfortable taking my "Pastor's Bible" to the a pulpit and preaching to nice church people . . . now I'm taking my Bible into the streets. Now I'm learning to be available to God, to listen to the Spirit, and to see the needs of a city and it's lost multitudes. I soon concluded that God is working in me, and I have to trust Him!

Tomorrow, I'll pray and walk again. On Saturday, with God's help, I'm going to attempt to complete seven trips around town. And then, I'll trust God to lead me and use me in the weeks beyond.