Have you ever gone on a prayer walk? Do you even know what that is? In this article, I’d like to explore the idea of prayer walking, along with a few reasons why you may want to try it.
What is a Prayer Walk?
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I’ve been prayer walking long before I knew it was a thing and maybe you have too. I’m sure if you look up prayer walking on the internet you’ll find lots of definitions, but let’s keep it simple. Prayer walking is exactly what it sounds like: praying as you walk.
Reasons to Have a Prayer Walk
So what are some reasons you may want to pray as you walk? Here are some of the benefits I’ve enjoyed from my walking prayers.
1. Helps you focus: Have you ever tried to pray but halfway through your sentence you forget what you were trying to say or your mind pulls up a random thought like the laundry you have to fold or the bills you forgot to pay?
I’ve found that on a prayer walk, my mind is more focused on the conversation I’m having with God, because that’s what prayer is, right? Our opportunity to talk to God as you would to a friend.
2. Widens the scope of your prayers: Sometimes our prayers can become very me-centered as we’re focused on the issues being faced by ourselves and our family members. If we’re not careful, our prayers become a monologue of, “Bless me, God”.
However, you may find that as you walk through your community, or wherever you choose to prayer walk, the Holy Spirit prompts you to pray for others and about different things.
For example, you may pass a school and be prompted to pray for students, teachers, parents, and the people who work there. You may walk past a neighbor’s house and be prompted to pray for them. I believe that prayer walking offers opportunities to pray for those you may not always remember to pray for.
3. Increases your gratitude: I don’t know about you but sometimes, being indoors limits my scope. Maybe it’s because the walls limit what I can see, but I find that gratitude and praise bubble out of my spirit on a prayer walk.
It may sound incredible, but I truly believe that nature declares the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). Being outside, among the things God has created, remind us that we’re a part of something greater than ourselves. It reminds us there’s a Creator and that the universe, and us, are in His hands.
4. Relieves stress and tension: As Christians, we know we should leave our burdens at the cross and allow God to deal with them, but it’s easier said than done. As you walk and pray, this is a perfect opportunity for you to speak to God about the things that worry you or that burden you down. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood or outlook, so that’s an added benefit.
5. Improves your relationship with God: One of the best things we can do for our relationship with God, is to talk with Him. As you walk and pray, your heart will be drawn closer to your Heavenly Father and He will reveal things to you.
I found myself thinking about walking prayers a lot as I read Hidden Manna by Sarah Geringer. Through Ms. Geringer’s testimonies, I was encouraged to go on more prayer walks and to expand the scope of my prayers as I did so.
Hidden Manna Review
Hidden Manna on a Country Road is an invitation to see God’s faithfulness in common, everyday things. The author takes us along with her on a year’s worth of daily prayer walks, starting with winter and ending with fall.
Ms. Geringer shows us how even things that are unattractive like trash can be an opportunity for prayer. She encourages us to look for evidence of God’s faithfulness and majesty. Our Heavenly Father cares about all His creations and He gives us signs of His provision…if only we’d open our eyes to see.
Each devotional has a focus verse, an observation from the author’s prayer walk, a prayer, and three reflection questions. I enjoyed reading these devotionals as they were a reminder of God’s glory and power. They made me want to pray more and broaden the scope of my prayers.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.
So many Christians feel confused, overwhelmed, and guilty about their prayer lives. They want to connect with God, but they fear they are doing it wrong.
– Hidden Manna on a Country Road, Sarah Geringer
About Hidden Manna on a Country Road Seeing God’s Daily Provision All Around Us
Connect with God in new and unexpected ways, seeing hidden manna all around you as you learn to pray while walking outdoors.
Prayer can be an intimidating mystery, even when we have practiced our faith for years. Yet God has hidden prayer prompts for us in nature, right outside our doors. These simple treasures can inspire deep connections with God as you uncover the spiritual truths hidden inside them.
Sarah Geringer discovered many prayer prompts in nature during the worldwide pandemic. On walks with her beloved dog Memphis, she spotted reasons to pray scattered all around her, like the manna God provided for Israel’s sustenance in the wilderness. His loving provision of connections via nature lifted her faith during that challenging time. The metaphors she discovered will inspire your own prayers, whether you live in the country or city. The beautiful truths you encounter will sustain your faith through all four seasons of the year.
Purchase Hidden Manna on Amazon | Christianbook
About Sarah Geringer
Sarah Geringer is a speaker, podcaster, artist, creative coach, and author of Hidden Manna on a Country Road, Transforming Your Thought Life, Transforming Your Thought Life for Teens, and three self-published books. She is on the devotional writing teams for Proverbs 31 Ministries, Hope-Full Living, Kingdom Edge Magazine, and Woman 2 Woman Ministries.
When she’s not reading over 100 books per year, Sarah enjoys painting, baking, gardening, and playing the flute. Her daily must-haves are hot tea, dark chocolate, and fresh flowers. She lives in her beloved home state of Missouri with her three teens and two Labrador retrievers. Sarah writes about finding peace in God’s Word at sarahgeringer.com, where you can find free discussion guides for her books.
How to Start Prayer Walking
Beginning a habit of walking prayers is much simpler than you may realize. The next time you’re walking somewhere, turn your thoughts heavenward. Invite God to come alongside you as you walk and speak to Him about the things that are on your mind.
- Tell Him your worries and fears.
- Thank Him for the things and people He’s blessed you with.
- Pray for people as their names occur to you.
- Look around as you walk and look for prompts that inspire prayer or praise.
Think of your walking prayers as time spent with God.
Verses for Your Walking Prayers
When you first start prayer walking, you may find it helpful to meditate on Scripture.
Here are a few ideas to start with:
“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV).
The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works (Psalm 145:9 NKJV).
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:43-45 ESV).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV).
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16 ESV).
As you walk and pray, meditate on these verses and ask the Holy Spirit what to pray and who you should pray for. You’ll be glad you did.
Do you prayer walk? Share your best ideas for walking prayers with me in the comments.
