“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.”
Max Lucado, He Still Moves Stones
Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life. A quick search for the word “pray” in the Bible yields 367 results. Jesus taught and modeled the importance of prayer, giving us the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6.
Today, we’d love to share a different way to pray — prayer walking.
Below is a simple outline of what it means to conduct prayer walking. Regardless of where you live, we know many people are concerned about the direction their country is going in.
Perhaps this is a small way we could all begin to pray over our neighborhoods, expecting God to really answer and accomplish his purposes! The story is not done, and there are so many more who need to hear and respond to his loving invitation!
In this outline, blanks are provided so you can fill in your relevant context. One Challenge hopes this gives you a fresh way to pray over the community where you live.
Prayer Walk Outline
PRAYER WALKING
PRAYER WALKING HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS “PRAYING ON-SITE WITH INSIGHT.” IT IS PRAYING WITH INSIGHT IN RESPONSE TO WHAT YOU SEE OR KNOW AND WITH SENSITIVITY TO WHAT GOD REVEALS TO YOU. AS YOU BEGIN, ASK YOURSELF WHAT JESUS DESIRES FOR THE PEOPLE OF _.
BE FOCUSED WITH YOUR TIME AND ENERGY. ASK GOD TO OPEN YOUR EYES AND YOUR HEART AND SEE __ AS HE SEES IT.
WHAT TO INCLUDE AS YOU PRAY
WORSHIP — RECOGNIZE AND EXALT GOD. PRAISE HIM AS YOU SEE HIS CREATION ALL AROUND YOU. THANK HIM FOR HIS LOVE AND CONCERN FOR THE PEOPLE OF __. PRAISE HIM FOR HIS GIFT OF SALVATION.
And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9
WARFARE — CITIES AND PEOPLES UNTOUCHED BY THE GOSPEL HAVE REMAINED THAT WAY THROUGHOUT HISTORY FOR A REASON: BECAUSE THE ENEMY HAS HELD THEM CAPTIVE IN DARKNESS (2 COR 4:4). ASK GOD TO CONTEND WITH EVIL, TO FREE THE PEOPLE TO HEAR AND RECEIVE THE GOSPEL.
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13
WELCOME — ACT IN ANTICIPATION OF CHRIST’S KINGDOM AMONG THE PEOPLE OF _____________. JUST AS JESUS SENT THE 72, “AHEAD OF HIM TO EVERY TOWN AND PLACE WHERE HE WAS ABOUT TO GO” (LUKE 10:1), PRAYER TEAMS HELP USHER IN THE HEALING AND RESTORING WORK OF CHRIST’S KINGDOM ADVANCE. SPEND SOME TIME BEING QUIET AS YOU WALK, TAKING IN THE FULL SCOPE OF WHAT YOU SEE:
As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it. Luke 19:41
ASK GOD TO POUR OUT HIS BLESSING ON DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND FAMILIES YOU PASS. WHEN YOU SEE INJUSTICES, ASK GOD TO SET THINGS IN ORDER. PRAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN _______________. ASK THE LORD TO MAKE THESE PEOPLE SEEKERS OF TRUTH.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
