Several years ago during a challenging time in my life, I discovered the practice of prayer walking. In the process, I also explored a number of different resources about this particular practice. One of the most significant things that I learned is the practice of “cognitive override.”
Essentially, cognitive override reminds us that our minds are nearly always filled with something. We cannot not be thinking. We see something, and our minds register it. We hear something, and our minds respond to it. We are facing a problem that needs solving, and our minds look for ways, even when we are not trying to, of solving that problem.
Obviously, sometimes our ever-functioning minds can be a good thing. At other times, however, our thoughts can be focused on things that are destructive and sometimes even paralyzing. Cognitive override is the practice of intentionally choosing that upon which our thoughts will focus. It is choosing what we will think about, and in choosing, we turn our attention toward those things which are life-giving and away from things that are life-destroying.
During my prayer walks, especially when my mind is prone to focus on things that are less than fulfilling, I choose a saying, phrase, or refrain to repeat over and over as I walk, matching the cadence of my steps with the words in my thoughts. Sometimes the words or phrases are things that I simply create for the need of the circumstance. Other times it is a basic refrain from a song or biblical text that helps re-center in God’s promises for me. In all of my experiences of this particular practice, there is an intention to think on things that are “honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise.”
The practice of prayer walking can be a devotional immersion in the treasures of God that are at the heart of our faith. God has given us the treasure of the promises of Jesus Christ – a treasure that brings hope out of despair, joy out of sorrow, and life out of death. These treasures are both cosmic and personal; they are for the whole world, and they are for you. Engaging in a practice that intentionally invites you to focus on these treasures can help banish those thoughts that are counter-intuitive to God’s promises, and it can bring a devotional practice to the whole of your daily experiences.
One of my favorite treasures in my personal practice of prayer walking is the musical refrain, “Come Bring Your Burdens to God.” This refrain draws me into presence of God and reminds me that God is always close at hand, nearer to me than I am to myself. It reminds me that I am God’s precious treasure, that God’s treasures are for me, and I can bring anything and everything to God. Perhaps it will do the same for you.
God of healing and wholeness,
Fill our hearts and minds with your Spirit
That in all times and circumstances
We will be drawn to think on the treasures of your love,
Trusting that you hear our prayers,
Meet us in our needs,
And respond with your mercy.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.