Prayerwalking
Many Christians
have been learning to quietly pray in the places that they live, work
or play. We've come to call this sort of on-site intercession "prayerwalking."
Prayerwalking is
simply praying in the very places we expect God to bring forth his
answers. Prayerwalking is usually a low-profile affair: Friends or
family stroll two-by-two through their own neighborhoods, schools and
work places, praying as they go. Once in a while the prayers can be
demonstrative, but most prayerwalking is fairly quiet. It's usually
being on the scene without making one.
As you pray
God's promises with specific homes or worksites in view, you'll find
that hope for those people begins to grow. You'll begin to see people
as God might view them. You'll likely find yourself becoming more
interested in the welfare of the people you are praying for. In other
words, you might find yourself becoming the kind of neighbor that you
always wanted to be.
Watch for the
ways God impresses you to display his love in practical acts of
kindness. Be ready to offer to pray with your neighbors as opportunity
may arise. Ask God to give you opportunity to explain clearly how
people can enjoy friendship with God by the power of the gospel.
Praying On-Site
With Insight
In hundreds of cities around the world, God is helping Christians to
pray as they pass through the streets of their communities. We've come
to use the word "prayerwalking" to describe this kind of on-site
intercession. Prayerwalking is simply praying in the very places we
expect God to bring forth the answers to our prayers.
Our prayers are
extending beyond our own concerns, focusing directly on the needs of
our neighbors. Prayerwalking is not so much about walking or being
outside. It's drawing nearer to those for whom we pray, so that we can
be clearer about what we are to pray.
Pray with a
Partner.
You can prayerwalk alone, but many find that their prayers are more
focused when expressed with a friend.
Pray audibly for clarity and better agreement.
As you finish, discuss - or even write down - the prayers, people, and
places of most importance. You'll be ready for the next round of
on-site prayer.
Pray with
God's Spirit.
Invite the Spirit of God to accompany you, guiding your steps and your
words.
Be attentive during moments of silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to
help you see with His eyes and pray in accordance with His heart.
Address God directly when contending with evil or its aftermath. Ask
God to redeem people as he restrains the enemy.
Pray with
God's Word.
Read Scripture aloud. God breathed it and loves to bless it.
Express God's thoughts in your own words.
Carry Scripture with you. Use a small Bible, or note cards.
Choose a particular verse or theme as a base for your prayers
throughout one day's prayerwalk. Use another to launch your prayers
the next day, and so on.
Pray with
Purpose.
Pray for the present-hour needs of people and places that you see.
Sketch a map to focus on select streets and homes.
Pray quietly. You can be on the scene without making one.
In confidence of God's unfolding purpose which includes your
preparation prayer, don't look to initiate gospel conversations during
your prayerwalk. Pray for God to open doors of communication soon.
Explain what you
are doing to inquirers: "We're praying God's blessing on the
neighborhood. Are there specific ways we can pray for you or others?
