Prayer Walk Guide
Why Prayer?
God's followers have been routinely committed to a life of spiritual disciplines throughout history. Careful study of Scripture, seasonal fasting, gathering for worship on Sunday, and resting on the Sabbath are all examples of spiritual disciplines and practices. There are many reasons that Christians partake in such activities, but perhaps the most significant reason is the formative impact they have on our lives.
When we attend church weekly, for example, we step into a space that refocuses our attention on Christ. Or when we study Scripture, whether alone or with friends, we tap into divinely revealed knowledge about God’s very nature and His will for our lives. Or think about rest for a minute. When we observe the Sabbath and take a day to slow down from life’s hustle and bustle, we recharge not only spiritually but also physically and emotionally. Quite simply, we participate in such spiritual disciplines because they are formative and good for us. Not only are they meaningful and enjoyable but they calibrate us to God’s greater purposes for our lives.
That's where prayer comes in. Prayer is vital to the Christian life as the most fundamental spiritual discipline in which we engage. Followers’ lives should be saturated with prayer as the primary means of communication with God. Paul makes absolutely clear in his first letter to the Thessalonians that we should be constantly in prayer as God’s people. With fervor, Paul writes: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
These words are not empty words. We are called as a community of believers to be in constant communication with God. Think about Acts 1 where we see Paul's command to pray without ceasing as fully embodied in Jesus’ disciples. The disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem and devoted themselves constantly to prayer after Jesus ascended into heaven. Their community was marked by a passionate devotion to prayer, and we should be the same. We are also resolving to be a community devoted to prayer that does not cease.
What We Are Doing
Cue to our prayer walks. Walking and praying are as natural as walking and catching up with a good friend. There is something about walking and praying that is disarming and therapeutic. Even Jesus regularly walked into the countryside to speak with His Father. A prayer walk is a simple act that we as a church resolve to do to be a prayer-focused community. And there is a key reason that our walks are happening in RCC’s vicinity: we want to pray for our neighborhood and the people in it.
That our church is tucked away in this wonderful community is no coincidence. We believe that God knew exactly what He was doing when He placed us here. He has called us to bless this community with the abundant, gracious love of Jesus Christ. And just like everything else we do around here, we begin with prayer.
Where You Come In
Prayer walk evenings are all about prayer, and we want our neighborhood to be center stage in our endeavor. You can pray for other things - please pray as you feel led by the Holy Spirit. But direct your time and energy toward the neighborhood apart from any spiritual promptings. There are a few simple ways you can go about this.
Pray silently or to yourself as you walk. Silent or quiet prayer is what most people practice while strolling and there is nothing wrong with this approach. Pray for people you see or pick a home and pray for that address in your mind. There is no limit to the people and homes you can pray for as you stroll along.
Pray with another person. Partner with someone and pray aloud as you walk. Keep your eyes open, taking note of the different people and houses you see as you go about the neighborhood. Share your observations with each other and then lift your voices to God together.
Intercede on behalf of another person. If you strike up a conversation with someone who seems like a fairly open person, offer to pray for him or her or to take down a few prayer requests he or she may have. Offering intercessory prayer may be uncomfortable for some of us because we pray over and for that person when we intercede on his or her behalf. Discerning whether to ask to pray for someone can be tough. But be open to the idea of praying for and with a stranger as you walk. Both are great options, and you will discern what is best in the moment.
Be open to hear from God. Communication goes both ways in any relationship. Such interaction is no different with God. We have a lot of things to say, but the same is true of God; He has a voice as well! Be open to reflective thoughts that cross your mind as you walk. Sometimes the Holy Spirit meets us in the private recesses of our mind to impress something on us, and He asks us to churn over an idea or emotion. Be sure to leave space for God to speak as you go about your walk.
A Few Details
- We will meet in the Chapel at 6:30pm to break into groups of 3-4, and to pray for our time during the walk.
- You are welcome to remain in the Chapel and pray while others are out walking if that is a better choice for you.
- We will remain in the Chapel for prayer if the weather is not optimal.
- Feel free to strike up conversations with people in the neighborhood. Keep the conversation casual or ask if there is a prayer request. For example: We’re from Redeemer Community Church down the street. Is there anything I can pray with you about? If the answer is no, say thank you and move on. If the answer is yes, ask if you can write down the request along with a full name and address. Tell the person that our church will be in prayer over the request.
- The prayer walk will conclude at 8pm. You are welcome to leave if you finish a few minutes earlier than 8pm. And there is no problem if you run later because you are caught up in conversation, however we do not want to disturb people much later than 8PM. Leave your collected prayer requests along with the associated names and addresses on the designated table before you leave.
- If anyone asks for assistance (financial, etc.), please direct the individual to our church number (859) 278-0313 to reach Gary Blake and our benevolence team. Gary’s extension is listed in the menu.
- Be respectful of people. If someone is not interested in talking or praying, or if a person starts talking but wants to wrap up the conversation, then wrap it up. Our goal is to show people the love of Jesus.
- The goal is not to evangelize but to pray for the neighborhood and with our neighbors if that is their desire. But be prepared to share the reason for the hope you have inside and about the joy you have in following Jesus if you are asked about your beliefs.