WALK IN PRAYER EVERYWHERE
Prayer: Let us walk in prayer everywhere.
Scripture: “Pray Continually!” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV
This verse ran through my thoughts over and over again. Oh, if only I had the time to spend all day, every day, on my knees before God. If only I did not have to go here or there. If I did not have to clean, cook and tend to my home, if only I did not have a hundred responsibilities and a full calendar… Does this sound familiar to you? What would you do with one whole day with nothing to do but pray?
I desire to draw near to God and obey His commands; thankfully God knows my heart and as always, He was willing to teach me to “walk” in His ways. Surprisingly, “walking” was the answer – Prayer walking!
God does not desire for us to spend our entire life in solitude, heads bowed, eyes closed; although there is a time and place for that type of prayer too. God’s desire is for us to pray our way through each day. Wherever we go whatever we are doing, He is with us and so we talk with Him just as we would if we had human companionship. You would never spend the day with someone by your side and not talk with them. God opened my eyes and heart to prayer walking.
Prayer walking can be done as you go through your daily routine or with a specific purpose. For example you can prayer walk a certain building such as a government building, neighborhood, city, meeting place, business, church or school. Using a school campus as an example you would pray as you walked around and through buildings, classroom and perimeters of campuses inviting God to be present there, asking for His protection, blessing, wisdom, strength, guidance, etc. You pray at lockers, doorways, desks, playgrounds, teacher’s lounge, and offices; in, out and around the whole area. Claim the campus for God and His glory and ask God to show you where you can serve and be a part of the blessing that He has for that place.
For more insight as to how we can prayer walk it is helpful to look at the verses around 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 “16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.” NIV
These verses remind us to be joyful always. A prayer and praise walk with God will remind us that our joy is based on eternal things not daily circumstances. We are also told to give thanks in all circumstances –ALL circumstances; for what we are going to learn, the ways we are going to glorify Him, for the Kingdom plan He is including us in. Good, great or glorifying – give thanks! Walking with God will fan the flame of the Holy Spirit within you. You will receive new insights and ways to apply His Word in your life. Prayer walking will open your eyes to His presence and help you to avoid stumbling; holding on to what is good and avoiding evil.
Prayer walking is not a one-time walk, it is meant to be repeated in good and hard times, triumphs and trials, when there is unity and division, in times of work, play and decisions. Prayer walking is an exercise for life.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]