Prayer Walking

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OVERVIEW

Prayer walking is about partnering with God as he opens up the hearts of the people in areas of your city and neighborhood. It takes us to the areas where we want to see God most move and work. In prayer walking, God opens our eyes to see where he is working while we pray that He opens others’ eyes to him. We want to be open to how God is working in the area and how we can participate with him. Prayer walking can open the door to conversations with people and bring healing to the problems or injustices in this part of the city.

Prayer walking is a posture of prayer before God. If kneeling/bowing in prayer conveys humility, need for God, and sorrow in heart; standing conveys praise, gratitude, and worship; so walking conveys a desire to see God move and enter into mission with him.

PREPARATION

  • Where do you want to see God move? Express your vision for the area to others who will prayer walk with you.
  • Invite others who have the same desire and vision for the area. (There is intentionality in why Jesus sent out disciples two-by-two.)
  • Prior to walking, spend time in prayer. Pray for: encounters, the Holy Spirit to take the lead, and protection from the enemy.
  • Divide into small groups―pairs work best, but three can work if there is an odd number.
  • Read one of these passages: Isa. 35.1-10; Isa. 58.6-12; Isa. 61.1-4.

PRAYING & WALKING

  • Keep your eyes open and walk as you pray out loud.
  • Observe people and places; reflect on those who work and live in the area.
  • Ask God to direct where you walk.

HOW TO PRAY

  1. Healing to broken relationships: for families to be restored and reconciled―that they would know the Prince of Peace.
  2. Breaking oppression and addictions: for people to come to know the Healer. 
  3. Jobs and the needs of the poor: that they would know the Provider.
  4. Welcoming of the marginalized: that the forgotten would find spiritual family.
  5. Comfort for those who are suffering: that they would realize the work of the Comforter.
  6. Safety of the people: Love and protection for the children. That they may hear of the God who loves and protects people.
  7. God’s People: that the Holy Spirit would come and reveal God’s Kingdom in and through his people.
  8. Salvation: For God to draw people to himself.
  9. Persons of Peace: God would bring you to people who can be conduits for the gospel and relationships.

DEBRIEF

  • Spend a few minutes thanking God for working in this area. 
  • Discuss and write down what God showed you―to remember for the next time you go
  • Pick the next date (the following week if able) for another prayer walk.