As we engage in Territorial Prayer gatherings every month this year, lets take a look at prayer walking. This clip from International Headquarters helps us understand how prayer walking works.
Prayer walking is a form of intercessory prayer that involves walking through our community or a specific location while intentionally engaging in prayer. It’s about opening our hearts to see the world through God’s eyes and lifting up the needs and circumstances in our surroundings. This practice serves as a means to seek God’s heart for our community, city and country.
Before starting out on a prayer walk, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, enhancing your awareness of others’ needs as you observe the world around you. When prayer walking, your heart is stirred to pray for what you encounter. For instance, passing by a neglected yard may prompt prayers for the health, both physical and spiritual, of the residents. Walking past homes allows you to pray for the occupants, asking that they come to know and love God. Around schools, intercede for teachers and students, praying for their safety, education and spiritual growth. You may become aware of areas in the community that desperately need the light and love of God, providing an opportunity to pray faith-fuelled prayers for breakthrough and revival.
As long as you remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, you’ll find Him drawing your attention to matters that need to be lifted up in prayer. The Holy Spirit will use sights, sounds and smells to increase your awareness and guide your prayers. During your prayer walk, look for posters, graffiti, landmarks, statues, signs of progression or decay, significant buildings, etc., which can influence your intercession.
Prayer walking is a simple yet powerful way to connect with your community and pray into matters that affect the people who live there. Don’t be surprised if God develops a deeper passion within you for your community as you see it through spiritual eyes. Angus Buchan aptly said, “There is power in prayer. When men work, they work. But when men pray, God works.” Let us pray and then prepare to stand in awe as we witness God at work on the streets, in the homes, schools and significant places of our community where we prayerfully place our feet!