Prayer Walking - Ready, Set, Walk!
As we enter into the crisp clean days of fall, you might want to explore different ways to be outside during your devotional time. Prayer
Walking is a great way to exercise both your body and your prayer practices.
Prayer Walking is a type of Intercession Prayer. Intercession is praying on behalf of others; bringing their needs before the Lord as if
they were your own. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." If you desire to be light to the
darkness around you, your prayers can penetrate those dark places around you. You can effect change in your own community.
How do I start?

First check your heart before you begin. Do you feel judgmental or critical of those whom you intend to target with your prayers? Be
honest with God about your motives; God knows them anyhow. If you feel judgmental, ask God to give you a humble heart so your
prayers will be a blessing to those in need.

Start in your own home (you might want to do this once or twice a year). Bless your home, your property, all the possessions that
God has given you, and everyone who lives with you and walks through your doors. Enter through your front door pronouncing
blessings as you go. Pray for a greater measure of God's grace and light to come.

When you walk out your door, keep in mind observing is a very important part of this targeted prayer; if you’re not sure where to
start, begin by praying, "Lord, what do you want me to see - how do you want me to pray?" Then listen.

Form your prayers in such a way that you are only pronouncing blessings on your neighborhood, especially if you have never done
this before. Use praise and worship and invite God's light to permeate any darkness. Where you sense darkness, call on God's
grace and love to overcome it. Pray without ceasing

Other areas or people you may want to include during your prayer walk;
1.
Your church - the members, including staff, leaders, the pastor, and their families – pray for unity, vision, focus,
protection from the enemy’s attack, for special blessing on the members and visitors and for great growth of faith in your
community
2.
Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and our Military – Pray that they will be safe and will be a godly protection wherever
they are.
3.
Forgotten Ones – The oldest and youngest generations are often in situations where they are lonely or removed from
society. Pray for health and emotional well-being, for companionship or mentorship opportunities, and for caring and
patience from their caregivers.
4.
Public Servants – Pray they perform all their tasks as to the Lord and that they not forget we are still “one nation under
God.”
5.
Larger Christian Community – Pray for a strong sense of Christian unity in your area.
6.
Local Business Owners – Pray for financial success for them, for peace in their homes, and for their deepened faith in
God.
7.
Schools – Pray for the teachers and administrators, for the students, and for the needs of the schools being met.
8.
Your Family and Friends– Pray for your loved ones’ safety, for whatever is going on in their daily schedule, for a desire
for Christ-centered lives, and for health issues.
9.
Your Larger Community – Pray for issues mentioned in the daily news, upcoming events and holidays, influential people
(actors, CEO’s, etc.)
Some Last Thoughts about Prayer Walking

Remember to listen while you prayer walk. God may remind you of a verse in the Bible or give you a sense of direction
about your requests.

Janet Holm McHenry states in her book Prayer Walk: “God may be calling you to use your prayer walk as a time to praise
him or to pray for your friends and coworkers or your husband and kids. Always, always, always do what you know God is
calling you to do. You may find, however that as you follow God’s leading, you will begin to see needs in your community.
Those needs may begin to burden your heart, especially as you see patterns and alarming evidence of them in your own
church family or perhaps even in your immediate family. When these burdens won’t leave you alone, it will be a natural
step to ask God for discernment about how to pray. And then you will.”
Excerpts taken from www.hannahscupboard.com/pray-walk-promote.html and Prayer Walk written by Janet Holm McHenry