What is prayer walking?
Prayer walking means being intentionally present in the world and lifting it up to God as you experience it.
One way we can do that as a community is to walk and pray together.
While private prayer is beautiful and important in its own way, prayer in public spaces also has a simple power that can be used for God's kingdom.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Phil. 4:6
Why is prayer walking important?
Jesus dwelt in public spaces, which for him meant local synagogues, where he opened himself up to new people and situations. He was present in the world so that he could bless it.
By being out in the world, and connecting with God in prayer there, we are being like Jesus. When we pursue Jesus on campus, in halls and in other student spaces, we, like him, can be a blessing.
We have been given a great authority in prayer to heal, bring restoration and life in Jesus' name. The Holy Spirit produces good fruit in us which glorifies God and encourages others. Prayer walking means bringing that authority and fruit into the open, so it can be seen and experienced by the world.
Don't I need special skills or experience?
The glory of prayer is that it entrusts things into God's good and reliable hands. He is the one to speak into the issues, concerns, struggles and beauties of our world.
God has given us spiritual fruit and gifts that we can use for his glory and for the good of those around us, as well as giving us good news to carry and even share as we walk.
The people we meet and situations we come across as we walk are all given to us by God, and we can trust that he has equipped us for the task.
"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain 'Move from here to there,' and it will move." - Matt. 17:20
Do I have to talk to people?
Making your voice heard can be a daunting thing. That's why it's great to go as a group, as having brothers and sisters praying and walking with us can encourage us and make us bolder.
Prayer walks are an opportunity to be challenged and open up to talk about your faith, as well as a chance to use the blessings you've been given to bless others.
However, if all you feel comfortable doing is talking with God, praying blessings on the spaces you're walking through, that's awesome too. His heart is gentle and he is so approachable in prayer.
How do I start?
1) Get a team together. It's great to have both diversity and agreement in prayer, so go out walking two-by-two or few-by-few.
2) Start slow. It's important to invite God into the time you've set aside. Prayer walking is an act of worship, so take a moment to cultivate an attitude to match. This is best done sat down in a quiet space. Valley Gardens and the Building 44 Courtyard are great recommendations!
3) Give God your grief. Be honest and share the frustrations, concerns and worries that you've picked up during the week, the things that might crowd in on your prayer. And then entrust them to God's hands together.
Then start walking!
"Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing." - 1 Timothy 2:8
What will God do?
God wants to be with you as you walk, guiding your steps, your thoughts, and your prayers too.
He might give you a word of encouragement, wisdom or knowledge for a friend or a stranger; or put you in a position to pray for somebody; or change the hearts of those around you.
But one thing is sure, God will use whatever we give him, and when we give him our time and energy by prayer walking, he will find a purpose for it.
What should I do?
Use your surroundings, make connections and be imaginative. If your group passes the library you could pray for the opportunities and stresses of studying. If you find yourself at the interchange you could lift up the wider city in prayer.
Walk in order to pray, don't pray in order to walk! It's easy to get distracted from prayer, and engaging with the people and places you see is good, but remember to remain prayerful in the time you've set aside.
Don't be afraid of moving slowly and taking still, quiet moments to listen to God and take guidance from him.
"I will give you every place where you set your foot." - Josh. 1:3
What could I pray for?
- That students and staff alike would come to know Jesus
- That students would find solace and healing in mental health struggles
- That students would be safe on nights out
- That Southampton's churches and charities would have strong and faithful ministries
- For student societies, both Christian and non-Christian
- That those in financial, social or spiritual difficulty in Southampton would find hope and recovery
- For specific friends, coursemates and housemates
- Whatever God places on your heart and whatever ideas your surroundings give you
How do I end well?
Given that student life is often busy, it's a good idea to set limits on how long a prayer walk will take. An hour is a good span of time, but feel free to walk more, or less.
As you come to a close take a moment to reflect together on how you found your time, discuss what God might have been saying and thank him for his guidance. Then carry his goodness into whatever's next that day
Handy tips and links
Be confident - Jesus our saviour is with you and wants to enrich our community with your good works and faithful prayer.
Be dependent - Jesus, the light of the world, is all the light we need. When we hold close to him, trusting him to use our time fruitfully, we can't go far wrong.
Be open - God can use the time you give him in a great variety of ways, it's ok to have expectations but hold them lightly and let yourself get interrupted.
Have a go! - If you've never prayer walked before, grab a friend, take the first step and give it a try. God wants us to encounter him, and prayer walking is one simple way to do that.
Credits:
Created with images by Pexels - "adult alone bible"