For the month of October we are going to again focus our attention on prayer, specifically the practice of walking prayer.
As we discussed back in June, prayer is our primary means of communicating with God often through words but always with presence. When we pray, we seek to dwell in God’s presence, to position ourselves before the Lord our Maker and connect with him, being known by him and growing in our recognition of his voice and continual presence with us. This month we are going to build on our understanding of prayer and ability to listen and hear God’s voice through the practice of walking prayer.
Walking prayer is just that- walking while praying! Walking prayer utilizes the rhythmic nature of walking to engage the mind and body in an active task to the point that it fades into the background allowing the heart to be open and attentive to God’s presence and God’s voice. This prayer practice is great for managing distractions and learning to hear God’s voice more clearly, but it is different than prayer walking. In prayer walking the purpose is to pray for the people or needs in a specific area. However, in walking prayer our goal is simply to be with God, talk to him, and listen to his voice. The focus is on your relationship with God rather than the needs of others.
The method is simple. Pick a path to walk however short or long you like, noting the halfway point, and walk at a comfortable, easy, rhythmic pace. (For alternatives to walking, see below.) Select a halfway point for your journey where you can stop and reflect for a few minutes before beginning your return journey. You will have something specific to pray about for each leg of your journey- on the way, halfway, and on the return. We are not going for strenuous exercise or a certain length of time or distance. The purpose of walking prayer is for you to engage your body and mind in the task of walking to the point that it fades into the background, freeing your mind and heart to pray and be aware of Jesus’ presence with you.
The Practice:
Over the course of this month, set aside 30 minutes each week to walk in God’s presence and commune with him through walking prayer. **For alternatives to walking, see below.
Select your Path: Do this ahead of time so you know the route and do not need to be concerned with navigating.
Pray: Begin your walk with a simple breath prayer, inviting Jesus to walk with you. Pray something like, “Jesus, I desire to walk in your presence.” Pray this several times breathing deeply and allowing yourself to settle into Jesus’ presence. Then begin walking. If your mind begins to wander during your walk, don’t fret. Simply pause, breathe deeply, and pray your breath prayer again recalling your mind and heart to Jesus’ presence with you.
Outward Journey: On the walk toward your halfway point talk to Jesus about how he has been present with you and at work in your life over the past week or so.
Halfway Point: Pause for a few minutes at your halfway point asking Jesus to show you how he is present and at work in your midst today.
Return Journey: On the walk back, talk to Jesus about how you can join him where he is at work. Let each step you take call your heart into alignment with Jesus’ way.
**Alternatives to Walking: tracing a finger labyrinth, riding a bike, jogging at an easy pace, or taking a meandering drive. The idea is to do something active and engaging with your body in order to allow your mind to focus on God’s presence and his voice; so be sure to pick an alternative that allows for this. If you choose one of these alternatives, the process is the same. Select a halfway point, begin with a breath prayer, focus on one prayer on the way there, pause and pray in the middle, and then pray on the way back.
May our lives be transformed as we walk in step with Jesus this month.
