PRAYER WALKING

 

     I don't consider myself to be a "Super Christian" or someone who knows it all, I am just a regular guy who loves Jesus and who wants to do the right thing. There is, however, something I have been doing lately that I feel God is leading me to do here in South Carolina....Prayer Walking!

     I started "Prayer Walking" in New York right after I joined the staff of Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship in Rocky Point, NY in 2022. Our church met in a VFW hall in the center of town. Before our Tuesday Bible study, I used to take time to walk through the town and pray for the people of Rocky Point, the local businesses and for God to move on the hearts of his people. I also prayed for members of our church. Very rarely did I ever have someone join me which was okay. I was not looking for accolades or a "pat on the back" from the Pastor, I just wanted to be obedient. I used to pray "radical prayers" as I walked past one particular bar and pray that it would shut down and one day become a new church plant. I did have one answer to prayer. I walked past a New Age store that sold their paraphernalia and after some time that store closed its doors. Praise God! I prayer walked in Rocky Point for over two and a half years up until I moved. 

     Fast forward to 2026. I now life in a middle-class neighborhood. There is a great mix of people with various nationalities, colors and creeds. Let me be honest. I only know one of my neighbors and that is not on purpose. Life is different in 2026. When I was a kid growing up in New Jersey and New York, I knew who my neighbors were. Granted I was young but still, I knew who lived in my neighborhood. I only know my one neighbor who I call "The Neighborhood Mayor." He seems to know everyone and has told me stories about each neighbor. Everyone is busy. Most people work crazy hours...maybe even 2 jobs to make ends meet. Honestly, the weather gets so hot in the summertime it is better if you stay indoors in the air conditioning then sit outside in the extreme heat. You rarely see kids playing outside. It's not like the 1970's or 1980's.  

     I have always had a heart for people. I guess that is why God called me to be a Pastor. After meeting my neighbor and praying about where God was leading me to do, I sensed God was calling me to prayer walk around my neighborhood. I'm sure many of you reading this are probably wondering, "Why do you care so much about people you don't know?" The reason is very simple. There are people in this world who are going to hell if they don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. I can't literally walk up to every door and have a discussion with every neighbor. I just don't have that kind of time and truthfully the energy. What I can do is pray for them!

     So, what is prayer walking? The definition is simple. It's "Praying with a purpose." I walk around my block twice praying for my neighbors as well as other personal requests. It is approximately 1.80 miles. I try to get up early in the morning. As I walk past a home I pray for the people who live in that particular house. I also walk past an elementary school and pray for that school. I try to prayer walk 3 times a week weather permitting. Not only do I have the benefit of praying for people, but I also get a lot of much needed exercise!  Let me just share that this is very hard. It's hard to get up early after you work 8 hours helping to close a grocery store. Most mornings, I do ask my Google home alarm, "Hey Google, snooze my alarm for 15 minutes!" As you do prayer walking, you do get attacked by the enemy. Do you really think the devil is happy you are praying for your neighbors? I have battled illness, I have felt sad and lonely and I have at times had no energy whatsoever. But to be honest, when you are praying for others and believing that God will move in their lives, it is worth it!

     I don't know what prayer walking my neighborhood will lead to. I have had thoughts of down the road inviting my neighbors to a Bible study at Lake Murray. I am praying about that. All I do know is that if I can touch even one person, it is worth it. My neighbor across the street has asked me to do a Bible study alone with him. I told him absolutely! My main prayer is that God would move on the hearts of my neighbors and show himself to each one. In my humble opinion, prayer will always be the key to success in life. I wish more churches took the time to prayer walk around their neighborhoods instead of just expecting people to show up at their church. I know prayer can also be very boring. I admit as I sit and pray, my mind wanders. While I'm walking, it helps me focus more. I am looking forward to seeing the fruit of this amazing adventure. I don't know what it is going to lead to. I am expecting God to do great things not because of me, but because of who He is! Jesus is coming back real soon. We need to make sure people know how much He loves them. If it means praying for them while walking is a way to push start this, then I want to continue! I just want to be obedient. I hope this blog will encourage you in your walk with the Lord! We need to always be obedient! But more than anything, we need to be praying!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK FRIENDS!