Prayer Walking
/What is prayer-walking?
What is prayer walking? For some, it’s as natural as breathing. When they are out and about, their spiritual walk aligns with their coming and going and prayer is continual communion with God as they are out and about doing life. For most though, it is a challenge to think about praying while walking about one’s neighborhood, workplace or community. I’m naturally inspired by my surroundings and am often inspired by the Spirit of God to pray when my five senses are awakened. But other times, I too need the inspiration from God’s word and others who have mentored me throughout the years to pray on-site with insight.
The purpose of prayer-walking is to seek God’s guidance, mercy, and transforming power—both for the individuals and regions we pray for, but also for ourselves. Prayer-walking helps us become more spiritually minded in what we are observing all around as we walk and pray. It’s a time where we allow ourselves to breathe in revival and speak forth revival, taking authority in Christ on the land in which we are given.
“Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”
The last few retreats I have spoken at in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, I have offered to lead some women on a prayer walk outside of the 4 keynote talks. I knew the entire group may not all get excited to come as free time is very sacred, so I release the group to do what they are feeling led to do that afternoon on retreat weekend. Whether a handful come or a more sizeable group comes forth, it has been a joy to encourage others to prayer walk. We can do this in our own neighbourhoods, around our schools, faith communities, in the malls, airports, hotels, simply anywhere you put your feet (or wheelchair) to.
I am no expert in prayer walking, but I know when I follow through with the promptings of my heart and pray when I am out walking in random or specific areas, I feel the empowerment of God strengthens me. I often am given insight, discernment or given a burden to pray for something as a result of walking and being receptive to hearing from God in pray his heart for a person or situation. I leave the results to God. Prayer is both a privilege and a mystery.
Why don't we do it more?
I don't want to play a guilt trip on myself or you for that matter, but what I do want to do is encourage us to grow in our prayer life and consider the possibilities if we truly lived by faith to believe that prayer matters, no matter what our posture/ stance is. This includes the act of faith that prayer walking makes a difference in places like:
Prayer walking through and around Schools, Businesses, Malls, Airports, Neighbourhoods, Community Events, faith communities, etc.
Prayer walking out in nature, allowing God to speak to you through your five senses to give Him Praise, to lead you to confession, to give thanks and also lead to you to pray for yourself, your family/ community and the world as the Holy Spirit prompts you to pray.
Prayer walking in your own home, hotels, camps or any places you call home for a season.
“I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
*The following outline is taken from Thy Kingdom Come
“Prayer walking is as simple as it sounds - praying as you walk. When we prayer walk we are stepping into our authority as God’s children to bless people and places in Jesus’ name. This simple task is a great way to bring transformation to your local community by asking God to break in.
As you prayer walk, the focus is on those who are living in your community so be intentional about praying for God’s blessings on what you see and feel. Even in difficult areas, try to pray positively. Focus on God’s plans and purposes for the place and people that live there. “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done…” is an excellent start.” Prayer Walking (Thy Kingdom Come Handout).
Other Resources:
Private Prayer Walk- Praying Outdoors When Praying Indoors Is Difficult Devotional (2016).
What is Prayer Walking? Is it Biblical?- Got Questions
