Many people begin the new year wanting to improve not only their spiritual health, but also their physical health. If that is you, let me recommend another way to bring some life into your prayer times: prayer walks.  A prayer walk is as simple as it sounds: you walk and pray at the same time. What makes it interesting is that the contents of your prayers will be shaped by what you see and hear as you walk.

As you walk through a neighborhood, you may notice a home that looks untidy or rundown and then pray that the residents of that home would know God’s mercy and kindness in this season of life. You may notice a home that is perfect and pretty, and similarly, pray for whatever needs may exist behind the beautiful facade. If you pass a school, pray for the faculty and students. If you pass a fire or police station, pray for those who serve. When you pass by a small business, pray for them to experience God’s blessing and provision.  If you notice a mom with her kids, an elderly couple, a busy professional, or a frustrated driver, pray for them. The point is that whatever you see, you pray for. As you do this, you will become more aware of the needs in the community and more compassionate toward the people who live there.

Ultimately, your prayer is the same as the one we see in Matthew 6:10, asking that the kingdom of God would come and God’s will would be done in this community, just as it is in heaven. Your prayer walks will increase your sense of urgency for the Kingdom of God to be made known here and now!

Final Thought: Go for a prayer walk in your neighborhood!