A Solid, Safe Bridge
After a slight downhill stretch.
Pray that you will trust God even during those times when you find yourself fearful of walking across a difficult path.
For me, this was the first significant landmark on the walk. My friend said the solid, safe descriptor was cheesy, but I personally thought it was fitting. It's not a particularly impressive bridge, but it is a bridge nonetheless.
Trust God
Recognize the presence of God.
... pray that even when you are totally exposed to worldy things you will recognize the presence of God walking beside you and guiding you in the way you should go. "Walk in the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Deuteronomy 5:33
I snapped a close-up photo of the same bridge, showing in vivid detail the grain of the wood and the solidness of the bars holding it in place.
Adullam Cave
Watch on your right for a trail to this cave.
"The cave where David became leader to 400 men."
I Samuel 22:1-2
This cave is actually nothing more than two large rocks propped against each other. I wonder how they got that way. They're certainly too large for a person-- or even a group of people-- to move. I doubt it was man-made. But you never know.
Settle Inside The Cave
Pray about leadership and for leaders.
... politics, churches, businesses, Christian organizations. Pray that God will give you wisdom to know when to lead and when to follow. "He who walks with the wise grows wise." Proverbs 13:20
This is the view from inside Adullam Cave. On the left and right you can see the two rocks that compose the cave. Looking out, we see the rocky ground and some of the plant life and trees.
A Protected Outcropping Of Large Boulders
Sit on a rock and read or think about some of the teachings of Jesus.
"Now when he saw the crowd, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them." Matthew 5-7
I actually missed this "additional downhill section" the first time around, so after visiting the cave, I turned around to find this outcropping. It's actually quite small, and very easy to miss because it requires turning right from a clearing off the trail.
Essential Gear
On Coyote Rock, I took a photo of my Bible, the Guide, and my Google journal.
Climb up on the rock as high as you dare. As you look out over the vast valley below and into the distance at far away mountain tops, think of the many people who are walking with you through this life. Pray for the specific needs of those you love and those you care about. Trust that the God of the universe hears your prayers, sees all and knows all and will never leave you to walk alone. "Depend on the Lord; trust Him and He will take care of you." Psalm 37:5
I'm glad that I brought my Bible and journal along for the ride. Originally, I was planning to leave them behind and just take the green Guide.
The Rock Wall
When you reach the rock wall, take time to sit and face the cross.
I think this is a very nice photo that I took from an interesting angle of the rock wall. This wall is actually quite small and not particularly impressive, but it is definitely there and it's worth a look. We are actually the first group at Camp Maranatha to try this new Guided Prayer Walk, so there wasn't actually a cross there-- they haven't made it yet.
Across From The Wall
Continue thinking and praying about any changes you need to make in your life.
Pick up a small stone and when you are ready, using it as a symbol of commitment, walk to the base of the cross and leave your decision/confession/mistakes/sins at the foot of the cross. As you turn and walk away, thank God for His love and forgiveness. Thank Him that, no matter what, He is always walking beside you. "I will walk among you and be your God and you will be my people." Leviticus 26:12
Again, at the time that I went, there wasn't actually a cross there. But it was still nice to see the area and imagine where the cross would go. My friend, JP, actually created small cross himself and reflected on that. So there are always ways to improvise.
Out Of The Forest
The remainder of the walk takes you out of the forest and back to camp.
The overall experience was very fulfilling and calming. It was much easier and shorter than I thought-- the walk took a little less than an hour for me, including stops. I was glad to see that the ease of the walk means that anyone can do it.
We pray that you will recall your Prayer Walk throughout your stay here. When you leave the mountain and return to your home may you remember that the God of the mountain also walks with you in the valley.
"And surely I am (walking) with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
by Elliot Lee
May 20 , 2007