The Righteous Run And Are Faithful... when it comes to their workout routine that is.

Yesterday, CCM released their first cd of the new year, titled "Run and Worship." It is a compilation of worship songs with a peppy tempo and a quick step. The cd is exactly 45 minutes in oder for you to time your workout effectively through the course of the cd.

Here is the actual product description:

"A collection of the best worship music from today's best-known Christian artists specifically designed for runners. With songs for the warmup, the workout, and the cool-down (hopefully not the melt-down)... Also included in the packaging are inspirational Bible verses providing encouragement to `run the race' to the finish."

Now, as someone who appreciates a good Gaia yoga video, or pilates workout, or those that use the big, fun, bouncy ball and flexy-band, I have to say that I definitely feel the need to combine exercises and worship. My biggest frustration with these programs that the instructor don't mention God enough, or misemploy inspirational scripture passages for the benefit of the sweat. When the instructors tell me that I should be feeling a burn in my upper thighs, I want that spiced up with a Toby Mac rap from his song titled "Burn For You,"

"I'm a brand new man in a foreign land, I'm a man who's feelin' that fire... I want the world to know I burn for you."

And when we are to stretch it out, Toby Mac continues,

"I'm energized again... like the bunny on the screen feel so energize... No more shortness of breath, new pace."

Now that is what I call exercisalation... or workshippin' it out!

Or perhaps this wonderful and perfectly applicable verse from Proverbs 18:

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous RUN to it and are safe."

Or this one from 1 Samuel 19:

"If you don't run for your life... you will be killed."

That'll get you movin'. Or from 2 Samuel 18:

"Come what may, I want to run."

Or these words from the prophet Isaiah, who was certainly hale and hearty, i.e., six-pack:

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength... they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

So start runnin', oh righteous ones!

But, don't take my word for it, here are some actual reviews taken from iTunes:

lulu48 gave the album five stars and said:

"awesome... honestly when i run, i do it for christ and he brings me to the finish line for everything! i think this is an amazing album/mix of songs and it just makes you feel good inside!"

.sarah.m. gave the album four stars and said:

"great... This is a great album. Plus, I have most of the songs already. But, I think it's a great title to call, and it has some really good artists."

I couldn't agree more Sarah, it certainly is a great title to call.

The point is, if you feel like you exercise routine is not quite a holy as it should be, spiritualize it!