At the start of this Season of Creation an idea was emailed out for praying creatively with collage. Here is another suggestion to finish off the season of creation – walking outside and praying!
In prayer walking, two ancient traditions of prayer are combined: intercession and pilgrimage. The first thing you might think of when you think about prayer is praying for God to help other people. This is called ‘intercession’, asking God to act on behalf of others.
There are so many needs of the world, and sometimes we can feel overwhelmed. Just as well that scripture assures us that God knows what we need before we ask, and the Spirit ‘intercedes’ for us. Just being open to God and present to the Spirit and to ourselves, others and the environment all around us is enough.
There is also an ancient tradition of pilgrimage which is about going on a journey to a holy place as an act of self-dedication. This takes time as they are generally taken on foot- an example of “walking the walk and not just talking the talk” when it comes to prayer. We are not just saying prayers, but expressing our care for a place and its people by walking around it. Every year Bishop John undertakes a Lenten pilgrimage around the Southern Region of our Diocese. Some of you have joined him on part of this walk!
In prayer walking, you may not have a particular destination in mind, as the walk itself is the point, praying silently as you go for the people and places around you, maybe asking God to bless houses and the people who live there, or the people walking by with their pets, or the trees and all wildlife in the park.
You can do this walk alone or with friends or family- just be sure you have Mum or Dad’s permission and think about safety and practicalities like footpaths and walkways.
Just let thoughts arise in your mind as you walk, and, when you notice that you are thinking about something, pray for it.
On the way back, ask God to show you how you might be a blessing to this area and to your own home as you return to it.
You may also like to come and join us tomorrow morning, Saturday 28 September, as we walk and pray the Saturday morning office – meet at the front of the church at 7:30am.
This idea is adapted from “The Teenage Prayer Experiment Notebook” by Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, pp 170-174