“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
I recently visited my old stomping grounds of Halifax and reflected on the times our church would walk through our community, praying for people and places. We once stood on the hilltop, the highest point, of the Bayers Lake business complex and asked God to give us wisdom and authority over all we could see to spread His name.
Spring is here, and soon good weather will follow. Some people pray best when they are moving, and so prayer walking can be a wonderful gift for those who enjoy getting up and moving around. It is a type of intercessory prayer that invites people to visit the site of their concern, such as the office, conference room, dining room, kitchen, school, hospital, or government building.
PRAYER WALKING SUGGESTIONS:
Slowly and deliberately walk through places, listening to the Holy Spirit and praying as you are led.
- Walk through your church and school grounds, giving thanks to God for the people and activities that take place there.
- Walk through places of need, fear, conflict, and decision making, such as shopping malls and places of business, blessing the places you see and praying for the activities and people that gather there.
- Walk through neighbourhoods and bring each household to God one by one
- Walk through your home or church in the company of Jesus. Pray for each room and for what happens within it.
- Take a walk through your workplace. Pray for your colleagues, custodians, clients, delivery personnel, and others. Offer yourself to be Jesus’ hands and heart in this place.
- Visit the playground, sports complex, or library near you. Pray for those who play or study there.
- Before a neighbourhood picnic or community event, join with another believer who will pray with you for the people who will attend the event. Ask the Lord to give you His heart for them. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in this event.
- When you are on vacation or in a natural setting, allow God to draw you into prayer for that particular place. Let your interaction with the created world lead you into prayer.