When we think about classic combinations, we might think of an old t-shirt with jeans, coffee and donuts, or a good book on a rainy day. Whether it’s Rachel and Ross, fireworks on the 4th of July, or cookies and milk, these well-loved favorites are all coupled up.
What about prayer walks?
We have prayer chains, prayer breakfasts, prayer requests and use prayerful consideration. On the other hand, we go on nature walks, power walks, family walks, and we walk our dogs. But what about walking and prayer… as a pair?
The psychological and physiological benefits of walking are endless, including immediate health benefits on one’s mood and self-esteem. Walking lowers tension, anger, and depression levels while also reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and cortisol levels. Overall, it decreases the risk of heart disease, chronic pain, and cognitive decline, and it boosts the immune system.
Prayer is proven to have similar benefits while helping us connect with a transcendent God.
Seems safe to assume these two could make a great duo.
You might not need convincing that prayer walks are a match made in heaven. However, while the concept of moving your body while talking to God might seem intuitive to some, many of us could use a tutorial. We have this idea that heartfelt prayers should be spontaneous, but many of us struggle with scattered senses, short attention spans, and feel we’re lacking in the language of prayer. The challenge feels high.
Perhaps the disciples felt some of the same when one turned to Jesus saying, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Seeing the challenge, Jesus offered us the Lord’s Prayer.
“This then is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’”
Matthew 6:9-13
When we’re not sure what to pray, Jesus gives us a framework to keep our minds and hearts centered on him.
Teach Us How To Prayer Walk: Using the Lord's Prayer as a Guide
Follow these step-by-step Instructions for how to do a prayer walk:
- Begin with Praise
- Scripture: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
- Prayer: "Lord, I praise your holy name. As my loving father, you’ve shown me an unwavering love. You are all-knowing and all-wise. May your name be known and honored in this place.”
- Step: At the start of your walk, spend a few minutes praising God as your Father, thanking him for who he is and what he has done in your life.
- Imagine God’s Kingdom Coming to Your Corner
- Scripture: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
- Prayer: “Jesus, I want my daily interactions to be filled with your kingdom values of justice and compassion. May my family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers see signs that you are healing our broken world. And may they know that you came not only to save but to reign as the good king of an eternal kingdom."
- Step: Take a few moments to envision what it would look like for God’s kingdom to break into your neighborhood, workplace, and city. Pray for opportunities to make things right in your community.
- Pray for Provision
- Scripture: “Give us today our daily bread.”
- Prayer: "Father, help me to depend on you to meet my needs each day. Teach me to trust in you as my provider rather than relying on myself.”
- Step: Pray for a heart of God-reliance rather than self-reliance. Ask for financial stability amidst stressors. Pray for those struggling emotionally and spiritually, that God will be their source of comfort and hope.
- Seek and Extend Forgiveness
- Scripture: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
- Prayer: "Lord, remind me of all the times and ways you’ve forgiven me. Help me to extend that same mercy to others, letting go of bitterness and grudges.”
- Step: Ask God to reveal any sin in your life (e.g., favoritism, self-importance, greed, jealousy, neglect, contempt, or others). Confess it. Thank God for his immeasurable forgiveness in Christ and pray for a spirit of forgiveness toward your neighbors.
- Pray for Protection
- Scripture: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
- Prayer: "God, help me recognize and resist evil influences in my life. Protect me from harm and keep me safe in your presence. You are my refuge and ever-present help in trouble.”
- Step: Seek God’s protection from unseen spiritual adversaries that foster disorder and violence. Thank Jesus for overcoming his enemies through sacrifice and love. Ask God to grant you the strength to avoid temptation and to overcome evil by cultivating his sacrificial love in you.
- Close with Praise
- Doxology: “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
- Prayer: "Lord, I recognize your sovereign rule over all creation. May your presence be felt by everyone who lives here. You are worthy of all our reverence and worship. Amen."
- Step: End your prayer walk by reflecting on how God’s power and sovereignty are visible in the natural world around you. Share with him how you’ve recently experienced his power and love in your life. Thank him for being a just and good king. Pray aloud Psalm 145:13: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works."
So, lace up your shoes, head out your front door, and consider this: what awaits is not only the strong possibility of feeling happier and healthier overall. But through this age-old spiritual practice, you are also connecting with your creator and impacting your community by covering it in prayer.
It’s a practice that’s both satisfying and sustaining—kinda like bread and butter!
Ready to get started? Use this Placed for a Purpose episode to guide you on your first prayer walk through The Lord's Prayer!
