Self-Guided Prayer Activity Guide
A “prayer walk” is simply talking to God with your eyes open as you interact within a specific geographical area. On a prayer walk, you are allowed to let your mind wander in a Godward direction and converse with him about what you see or think or feel. (It is like taking a “long walk on a beach,” talking with someone you love.)
A “prayer walk,” however, is just an example of the kind of activity that would allow for this kind of Godward, prayerful wandering. Maybe you would prefer to take the kayak out at sunset: a “prayer paddle.” Or maybe you would prefer to meet with a few moms at the park: a “prayer playdate.” Or maybe you would like to take a jog with a few buddies: a “prayer plod.” This summer, as we “Pray First,” turn an activity you love into a “prayer passion.
Attempt to use “ordinary” activities like these to dialogue with God. You could do this alone; or you could invite others to join you (there will be several coordinated events this summer)*. There is not a prescription for how to pray while you are actively and reactively engaging in creation or culture, but the following suggestions may give you some direction. It will help you to meditate on some of the Scriptures referenced as you prepare for your prayer activity.
In Creation
Praise God for his creativity, his beauty, his majesty, his care (Job 38:1-42:6; Psalm 19:1-6; Psalm 24:1; Psalm 148; Proverbs 30:18-31; Acts 17:24-25; Rom. 1:19-20).
Confess the brokenness and futility of creation (Ecclesiastes 9:2-4; Ecclesiastes 10:8-11; Romans 8:19-23; 2 Peter 3:4-10).
Thank God that He has made you a “new creation” for the new creation (Romans 6:4-5; Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:49; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 21:1-5; Revelation 22:1-5.)
In Culture
Exalt God as the rightful King of all that exists. (Psalm 24:1; Acts 17:24-28; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 5:11).
Identify and pray for the toppling of cultural idols (wealth, power, sex, self, etc.) and the eradication of places of darkness (Psalm 82; Jeremiah 2:11-13; Matthew 5:14-16; John 16:8; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Galatians 4:8; Colossians 2:15; 1 John 2:15-17).
Identify and pray for the agents of justice and righteousness in the city (Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-4).
Pray for the witness of the Church in the city (Matthew 6:10; Matthew 9:36-38; Acts 11:21; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 2:9-12; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:11-14, 3:3-8).
*If you invite others to join you, and your prayer activity becomes a community prayer gathering, you might want to articulate a clear prayer goal or purpose (i.e., “We are going to pray for the first 30 minutes,” or “As we finish our activity, we will spend 10 minutes praying together” or “Let’s see if we can spend the entire time in conversation with God.”) In this event, take turns praying out loud; while one person prays, the others who are listening join in their spirit to pray the same words. Depending on the event, you might also find it easier to split off into smaller groups, rather than maintain one large group.