Prayer Walking Tips

Prayer walking is one of the first steps in seeing the kingdom of God unleashed in our neighborhoods and in our city.  While it is possible to simply pray in your home for your neighborhood, the act of walking through and actually interacting with who and what you are praying for is powerful.  Even though it is simple, it can be difficult to know what to pray for.  Here are a few tips that will help guide you in your prayer time.

Week One (June 7-13)
Just as darkness is the absence of light and cold is the absence of heat, so evil is the absence of the presence of Jesus!  As you pass each home pray that Jesus will fill that home with his presence.  As you pray, picture turning on the lights and turning up the heat on a cold day in each home.  Imagine Jesus coming into the home and scattering the darkness of evil by his presence.

Week Two (June 14-20)
Use R.E.N.E.W. following the Lord’s Prayer.
First day:  R=Rejoice! Start the first day praying for the joy of the Lord.   Pray that each family is thrilled that God is our Father and we are members of his family.  Ask that they discover his character (names), his kingdom and the glory of his will. (Our Father in heaven…)
Second day: E=Equip!  Every home has needs (daily bread).  On the second day, pray that the Father meets every need.
Third day: N=New Relationships Through Forgiveness!  On the third day ask Jesus to soften hard hearts and to bind the spirit of revenge and anger.  May there be forgiveness in each house both for each other and from God.  (Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sinned against us.)
Fourth Day: E=Escape!  On the fourth day pray for direction and for escape from all evil. (Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.)
Fifth Day:  W=Wonder!  On the fifth day pray for a sense of anticipation and hope as the family comes to realize that our Father, Son and Holy Spirit have all the kingdom,  power and glory.

Week Three (June 21)
Bless each home using the B.L.E.S.S. prayer.
First day:  B=Body  Pray for health and healing
Second day: L=Labor  Pray for employment, jobs, work
Third day: E=Emotions/Education  Pray for joy, peace and the excitement of discovery of new truths from the Bible and new dimensions of God’s greatness.
Fourth day: S=Social relationships  Pray for friendship, love a new community in the neighborhood.
Fifth day: S=Spiritual Life  Pray for the conversion of each family.

Repeat the cycle!
As you are prayer walking, take the time to talk to neighbors.  Take your dog along…or your child….or your prayer partner.  Just as Jesus sent his disciples out 2-by-2 in Luke 10, it is best to prayer walk with two or more.  Tell neighbors what you are doing and ask if they would like to join you in praying for all the needs of the neighbors in these tough times.  Consider beginning a weekly prayer time with the neighbors.

Adapted from John DeVries