How to prayerwalk

Praying On-Site With Insight

In hundreds of cities around the world, God is helping Christians to pray as they pass through the streets of their communities. We’ve come to use the word “prayerwalking” to describe this kind of on-site intercession.

As you prayerwalk, your prayers extend beyond your own concerns, focusing directly on the needs of others and opening yourself to see them with God’s eyes and heart.

Pray with a Partner.

• You can prayerwalk alone, but many find that their prayers are more focused when expressed with a friend.
• Pray audibly for clarity and better agreement.
• As you finish, discuss – or even write down – the prayers, people, and places of most importance. You’ll be ready for the next round of on-site prayer.

Pray with God’s Spirit.

• Invite the Spirit of God to accompany you, guiding your steps and your words.
• Be attentive during moments of silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to help you see with His eyes and pray in accordance with His heart.
• Address God directly when contending with evil or its aftermath. Ask God to redeem people as he restrains the enemy.

Pray with God’s Word.

• Read Scripture aloud. God breathed it and loves to bless it.
• Express God’s thoughts in your own words.
• Carry Scripture with you. Use a small Bible, or note cards.
• Choose a particular verse or theme as a base for your prayers throughout one day’s prayerwalk. Use another to launch your prayers the next day, and so on.

Pray with Purpose.

• Pray for the present-hour needs of people and places that you see.
• Sketch a map to focus on select streets and homes.
• Pray quietly. You can be on the scene without making one.
• In confidence of God’s unfolding purpose which includes your preparation prayer, don’t look to initiate gospel conversations during your prayerwalk. Pray for God to open doors of communication soon.
• Explain what you are doing to inquirers: “We’re praying God’s blessing on the neighborhood. Are there specific ways we can pray for you or others?”
• Be persistent. Try prayerwalking the same areas near your work, school or home in a regular way. You’ll often find that your prayers deepen and your concern and awareness of God’s heart for people increases.