Several years ago, one of our church members suggested that our congregation try prayer walking.
Prayer walking?
I had never heard of it. Mary explained that prayer walking was simply walking through a neighborhood and praying for the people who lived there. She suggested that we do it as a ministry to the people who lived near our church.
So one Saturday morning we gathered at the church and divided into groups of two. We divvied up the area around the church and two by two each group walked a few blocks, praying as they went. We didn’t stop and bow our heads and fold our hands. People observing us would have thought we were simply talking to each other. But we were doing something much more important.
We were talking to God.
“Lord, we pray for the family that lives in this house. May You grant them health.”
“Holy Spirit, draw the people in this neighborhood to You. Help our congregation be a mirror of Your love.”
“Father, where people are hurting, show them Your peace.”
The simple act of prayer walking helped us connect to God and to the people we were praying for. Our hearts were more aware of the people who lived in the houses we passed by each Sunday on the way to church.
Prayer is an important Spiritual discipline. God gives us the privilege of approaching Him in prayer.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
He instructs us to pray for others.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. 1 Timothy 2:1
He tells us that our prayers make a difference.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
He invites us to pour out our hearts to Him.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8
Why try prayer-walking? Perhaps you feel your prayer life needs a jump-start–prayer walking can give you a fresh perspective. Or maybe you are an action-oriented person–prayer walking may seem more engaging than sitting with your eyes closed. Perhaps God is calling you to pray for a certain group of people–prayer walking in their environment will open your eyes to their needs.
Here are some ways to try Prayer Walking:
- Prayer Walk through your neighborhood. Like my church did, pray for the people who live near you.
- Prayer Walk through your workplace. On a coffee break, walk through your office space or work area, silently praying for your coworkers.
- Prayer Walk through your church. Alone or with a friend, walk through the spaces of the church praying for the pastors, the musicians, the people who sit in the pews, and the kids in the Sunday School rooms.
- Prayer Walk in or around city hall, court buildings, or other places of government. Pray for public officials, that God’s wisdom would be upon them.
- Prayer Walk in nature. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Praise God for His creative genius as you walk in a park or hike in a forest.
Walking in nature is one of my favorite things to do. Somehow I feel closer to God away from manmade things. In the quiet of His creation, I am refreshed in His love.
This week–take a walk. Embrace the privilege of prayer and talk to the God who hears.
Next step: Block out a period of time this week for a prayer walk. Decide where you want to walk. Download this resource with Scripture verses to inspire your prayers.