Prayer Walking GUIDE
Volunteer Team leaders may
reprint this Guide for training of their Prayer Walking Team.
P R
A Y E
R - W
A L K
R
A
Y
E An Orientation Guide: Part One
R
J
By Dan R. Crawford
O
U
R
Prepared for the International Board, Ltd.,
Copyright pending, 1998 N
E
Y
You are nearing a journey that will alter your prayer-life
forever. Beyond your prayer-life, this
journey may well change you entire life.
The purpose of the manual is to help prepare you for this incredible
journey.
A Prayer Journey is going somewhere - around the corner or around the
world - for the primary purpose of intercessory prayer on location.
Prayer-walking is a method of intercessory prayer that involves walking
while praying at the location of the Prayer Journey. Prayer-walking may also include riding,
jogging, boating, biking, flying, riding a train, or any other means of
transportation.
Many of you have been practicing prayer-walking for years without
knowing what to call it. In 1993,
Creation House Books of Orlando, Florida released a book co-authored by Steve
Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick entitled, Prayer-walking: Praying On Site With Insight.
This was the first book devoted exclusively to the method of prayer-walking. While the book has some problems with
biblical interpretation, it does offer creative prayer strategies and a name
for what you may have been doing.
A valuable insight into the purpose of prayer-walking was offered by a
missionary couple serving among an unreached people
group in east Asia.
They said, “We would like to see a spiritual harvest, but we are seeing
none. We would like to say that we are
busy watering seed that has been planted, but neither are
we doing that. We'd like to tell you
that we are faithfully planting seed for a future harvest, but this has not yet
been our ministry. We wish we could
share with you that we spend our time breaking up the soil for the planting of
seeds. Not so.
Quite honestly, ours is a ministry of rock moving.”
“Rock moving” is the job of intercessors. A Prayer Journey allows you the privilege of
walking and praying among the rocks.
So, a definition is in order. Prayer-walking
is intercession on location, with information, in cooperation,
against opposition, for glorification. This
definition will also serve as the orientation outline.
While not covered in this manual, it is strongly encouraged that the
prayer-walker be in right relationship with God before beginning such a
strategic assignment. Walking with the Lord should always be a prerequisite to
walking and talking with the Lord. You
may need to pause right now and update your relationship with God. Then ask God to give you an open mind and a
receptive spirit so that you might be a more effective prayer-walker during
your prayer journey.
PRAYER-WALKING IS INTERCESSION
Intercessory prayer is a biblical priority. Paul instructed young Timothy as follows: “I
exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks be made for all men.”
(1 Tim.2:1)*
The Bible mentions many kinds of prayer, such as supplications,
petitions, thanksgivings as well as intercessions. Intercession is that type of prayer that
focuses on the needs and concerns of others.
During your prayer-walking, God may reveal some personal need to you for
which you must offer petition, but primarily,
prayer-walking is offering prayers of intercession.
T. W. Hunt, long time prayer leader among Southern Baptist, calculated
that among the prayers of the Bible where we know the answer given, 78% are
prayers of intercession.
While the term, “prayer-walking” does not appear in the Bible, nor does
the Bible describe any person as actually practicing “prayer-walking”as we know it, it is a method that God is using
today. It is a method of the biblical
priority of intercession.
An early warning is in order:
Refrain from worshiping the method.
Rather, use a method that God is currently blessing while worshiping the
God of the method.
Prayers of intercession are offered...
...to the Father.
Prayer-walking is primarily talking to God about the people rather than
talking to the people about God. God said to Jeremiah, “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things, which you do not
know” (Jeremiah 33:3). Note the
instructions in Matthew 6:6; Matthew
18:19-20; John 16:23.
...to and in the Name of the Son.
Prayer-walking is done in the authority of Jesus Christ rather than in
your own authority. Note the experience
of the disciples in Luke 10:1-20. See also John 14:13-14; John 15:16; Romans
10:12; Romans 8:34; II Corinthians 12:8.
...in and with the Holy Spirit. Prayer-walking is done in harmony with God's
agenda, rather than
your own agenda. Note
Paul's experience in Acts. 16:6-10. See also Romans 8:26; Ephesians
As you walk and pray you will be a person of secret influence,
interceding to the Father, in the Name of the Son, with the Holy Spirit to the
One who works where no man can work, who accomplishes tasks beyond man's
ability to accomplish, and who gains glory where man sees no glory. God will respond to your intercessions, not
because He has too, but because He has chosen to do so.
*Unless otherwise noted, all scripture is from The Holy Bible, New
King James Version
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FO INTERCESSORY PRAYER-WALKING
1. Be spiritually prepared - Daily Bible reading, devotion and private
prayer.
2. Wear comfortable, culturally-acceptable clothing.
3. Wear walking-shoes that are already “broken-in”.
4. A light-weight back-pack or a “fanny-pack” may by useful in long
walks.
5. Carrying a camera should be cleared with your local host prior to
the walk.
6. Teams of three seem to be best, four is OK, five
is too large.
7. Pray together as a team prior to the beginning of the walk.
8. Pray with your eyes open, sensitive to that which might prompt
prayer.
9. Reinforce prayers of other team members before changing the subject
of prayer.
10. Stop for more intense prayer as the occasion calls for it.
11. Forget phrases like “lead, guide and direct” and talk with God in a
conversational manner.
12. Use scripture in your prayer - either direct quotes or paraphrases.
13. Don't be afraid of silence.
It is OK to walk and pray silently for a time.
14. Smile and be pleasant to people you meet. God may be working in their life. Pray for them.
15. It is OK if prayer-walking feels awkward the first few times. It will feel more comfortable.
16. Singing is often an effective way to pray and praise.
17. When praying becomes difficult, admit it to your team and ask them
to pray for you.
18. Be flexible as the Holy Spirit leads.
19. Conclude your walk on time especially if a share time is planned
with others.
20. Pray together as a team at the conclusion of the walk.
21. Keep a daily journal at the conclusion of each day.
22. When the prayer journey is over don't worship the journey; get on
to other ministries.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
An excellent guide for planning a prayer walk is PrayerWalk
Organizer Guide by Steve Hawthorne, published in 1996 by Prayer Walk
PRAYER-WALKING
IS INTERCESSION ON LOCATION
“Why could I not just as well stay at home and intercede?” This is the oft asked question related to
participation on a prayer journey.
The answer is, “You can.” And
God will as surely hear and respond to your prayer as He will to the prayers of
those who go.
While “location” may or may not be important to everyone, it is of
utmost value to the prayer-walker. To
pray while seeing, feeling, touching, and hearing is to pray with more
intensity. After the prayer journey is
over, you will never pray the same way again for the location of your walk and
the people you met there.
While “prayer-walking” is not mentioned as such in the Bible, praying on location most clearly is mentioned. When Jesus received the message of the illness
of Lazarus, he could have prayed for healing in his present location, and may
well have done so for he stayed there “two more days” before announcing to the
disciples, “Lazarus is dead.” There may
be other reasons why Jesus chose to go then to
An additional value of location-praying has to do with presence. Since Jesus lives within you and the Holy
Spirit works through you, there is a sense in which your prayer-walking
provides light in dark places and salt in unsavory places (Matthew 5:13-16). If your body really is a “
Often the location of your prayer-walking will be in enemy
territory. One writer says, “Christians
have lost the home-field advantage.”
This is true in most, if not all of the world.
The enemy and his influence will be obvious to you as you walk. In times like these you need to remember that
the battle has already been assured.
“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, `Now salvation, and
strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come,
for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night,
has been cast down. And they overcame
him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...” (Revelation
12:10-11). Walk, not in fear, but in
assured victory.
Some locations where you may want to prayer-walk (or stop for prayer) include:
1. Government buildings, especially those that effect missionary
presence and work
2. Churches or locations for possible new-church starts
3. High places, such as mountains or tall buildings where you can get a
perspective of the area
4. Neighborhoods or areas where there is no evangelical work
5. Schools
6. Hospitals
7. Business areas
8. Sites of other religions, false religions, sect groups or cults
Use this page to record some of the research done on the location of
your prayer journey.
PRAYER-WALKING IS INTERCESSION ON LOCATION WITH INFORMATION
When we go to a new location, especially if it is outside of our
comfort zone and/or across a cultural barrier, our senses provide us with new
information. As in days of old, you will
experience, “things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have
not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love
Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)
It will be helpful if you will do some research on the location of your
prayer-journey before you go. If you
have access to the internet, you will find numerous web pages related to
geographical locations and people groups. Magazines and newsletters from
mission-sending agencies, not to mention secular magazines such as National
Geographic will also provide valuable information. Correspondence with your
hosts at the location (as well as references they may give) will provide yet
another source of information
A better understanding of the location through acquiring new
information prior to the journey will allow for more informed praying as well
as less time spent in adjustment to the place and people.
The sensing of new information will lead you to pray in phrases you
likely would not have used prior to the journey. Prayer-walkers have been heard to pray for
the following:
1. Learning of a breach in an ancient city wall where the enemy came
through to conquer, one prayed for a breach in the wall of darkness, so that
God's light might shine through.
2. Standing on a high place and seeing power lines between himself and
the city below, one prayed that the Holy Spirit would empower those who
ministered in that city.
3. Waiting at a traffic light in a crowded city, one prayed with the
changing of the lights that non-believers would exercise caution in
their decisions, stop their sinful ways and go toward Jesus.
4. Deafened by the noise of a city street, one prayed that those who
lived in that noisy city would be able to hear the still, small voice of God.
5. Seeing a welder at his work, one began to sing, “It only takes a
spark to get a fire going...” then prayed for that spark.
6. Hearing a siren, one prayed for safety until these people could hear
and respond to the Gospel and another prayed for those who offer physical and
spiritual care in the city.
Information that may prove helpful for informed praying include:
1. Demographic information of racial and ethnic population as well
as socio-economic needs
2. Religious presence, as well as needs, in the area
3. Names (if available) of those who minister in the area
4. Major physical and material needs of the people
5. Possibilities of future ministry
6. What spiritual activity is already underway as well as opposition to
it
Use
this page to record specific orientation information given to you by TEAM
GARIFUNA on the field of your prayer journey
PRAYER-WALKING
IS INTERCESSION ON LOCATION WITH INFORMATION IN COOPERATION
Matthew 18: 19-20 is a scripture that speaks of cooperation. “I say to you, that if two of you agree on
earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father
who is in heaven. For where two or three
have gathered together in My name, I am there in their
midst.”
The word agree is the Greek word sumphoneo used for musical instruments that
harmonize even though they are not the same. A prayer journey involves praying
in concert.
You must pray in concert with other members of your team. Team harmony is an absolute must in the midst
of a prayer journey. Amos quoted God asking, “Can two walk together unless they
are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). Note how the
disciples prayed together for Peter in Acts 125-17.
You must pray in concert with your non-present prayer partners. Surely you will want to recruit a few
faithful intercessors to cover you with prayer while you are prayer-walking
through enemy territory. Perhaps each
prayer partner could take a period of time so you will be covered throughout
the day and night.
You must pray in concert with those who minister on the field of your
prayer journey. Remember, they were there before you arrived and they will be
there after you are gone. Your
cooperation with them is of utmost importance, even when you may not understand
everything.
You must pray in concert with God.
Obedience to God's will is a key to the success of a prayer journey. Many times believers forget this portion of
the passage. It is not enough to agree
with each other and with other prayer partners and fellow-workers. “It shall be done” is dependent on agreement
with the “I am.”
Get the signatures of prayer-partners who will covenant to pray for you
on specific days.
Journey Day
One_____________________________________________________________
Journey Day
Two_____________________________________________________________
Journey Day Three____________________________________________________________
Journey Day
Four_____________________________________________________________
Journey Day
Five_____________________________________________________________
Journey Day Six______________________________________________________________
Journey Day
Seven____________________________________________________________
Use back of page for Journeys of more than seven days.
PRAYER-WALKING IS INTERCESSION ON LOCATION WITH INFORMATION IN
COOPERATION AGAINST OPPOSITION
The very existence of Satan suggest
opposition. The most common biblical
name used for this enemy, Satan, means adversary or opposer. Not only is he an opposer,
Satan gets extremely angry when you are
involved in any activity, like intercessory prayer, that may eventually cause
people to transfer their membership from his kingdom to the Kingdom of
God. He has “blinded the minds of the
unbelieving” (II Corinthians
4:4) and does not appreciate your attempts to have them
enlightened. At some point in your
prayer journey you will likely be able to say with Paul, “Satan hindered us” (I
Thessalonians
Prior to your journey Satan will use any means possible to convince you
that you are wasting your time and money.
He will plant thoughts in your mind that this journey will not be good
for your health, your job, your family or your future. You may expect added stress as you prepare
for your journey
During the prayer journey Satan will try to convince you that
prayer-walking is not for you, that it does no good, that there is no visible
result, that your team members are not as committed as you, that you are using
your time foolishly. He will try to disrupt team unity and bring in outside
adversity. As a master of distraction he
will try to distort your focus and defeat your spirit.
A review of your weapons prior to the encounter will be of value. Paul reminded us, “Though we walk in the
flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are
not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” (II
Corinthians 10:3-4). The key phrase is
not “the destruction of fortresses” but “divinely powerful.” You cannot war with Satan in your own strength
and you certainly can't single-handedly destroy his fortresses. James instructs believers to, “Submit
therefore to God. Resist the devil and
he will flee from you.” (James 4:7).
You are not to command Satan, you are to resist him. Why would you want to talk to Satan,
demanding that he refrain from some activity or remove himself
from some place, when you have access to One infinitely more powerful and
authoritative than Satan? So, don't talk
to Satan, talk to God about Satan. Don't
look for a demon behind every bush. Look
for the evidences of God all around you.
Don't press the enemy, praise the victor.
In preparation for opposition you may want to pray about (or pray-on)
your armor, “that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and.
. . . stand firm” (Ephesians
Above all remember, “Do not fear or be dismayed.
. . for the battle is not yours but God's” (II Chronicles
Use
this page to record attributes of God, verses of scripture, hymns and choruses
that enhance the praise of God in the face of enemy opposition
PRAYER-WALKING
IS INTERCESSION ON
LOCATION WITH
INFORMATION IN COOPERATION AGAINST OPPOSITION FOR GLORIFICATION
If you are participating in this prayer journey for any reason other
than God being glorified, it is time to re-evaluate your motives. Your prayer from beginning to end must echo
that of the Psalmist, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth” (Psalm 108:5).
If you have doubts as to your ability to glorify God through this
prayer journey, listen to what God told the Psalmist, “Cease striving and know
that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the
earth” (Psalm 46:10). Your very response
in faithful obedience to God's open door, is an act
that brings glory to God. Not only will
people be blessed by your presence, God will be exalted through your
intercessions.
So prepare yourself. As God's
people in an earlier day prepared themselves to cross into the promise land,
Joshua said to them words that might well be said to you, “Consecrate
yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5).
Fear not. As God told
Trust God to do the work even when it seems your prayers are
futile. Of a rebellious people, perhaps
of your people, God said, “I permitted Myself to be
sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those
who did not seek Me. I said, `Here am I,
here am I,' to a nation which did not call on My name”
(Isaiah 65:1).
Stand back and be amazed. God
told Habakkuk in response to his cry, “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days - you would not believe if you
were told” (Habakkuk 1:5).
Remember, you are an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians
I am a stranger here, within a foreign land.
My home is far away, upon a golden strand.
Ambassador to be, to realms beyond the sea,
I'm here on business for my King.
May God be glorified, against your opposition, in the midst of your
cooperation, with your new information, on your location, through your intercession.
Use
this page to reflect on your Prayer Journey
What new lessons did you learn about intercessory prayer on your
prayer-walk?
What did you discover about your location that will cause you to
continue to intercede?
What new information do you have as a result of this prayer-walk?
What did this prayer-walk teach you about praying in cooperation?
What did you discern about the opposition while participating in this
prayer-walk?
How was God glorified during your prayer-walk?
Dr. Dan R. Crawford is Professor of Evangelism & Spiritual
Formation and occupies the Chair of Prayer at Southwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary; P.O. Box 22,298; Fort Worth, Texas, 76122. This Orientation Guide was completed while
serving as Visiting Prayer Scholar with the International Board, Ltd., China
Office, Hong Kong, China.
Part
Two:
Orientation
Information Provided by Personnel From the
Location of the Prayer-Walk