Most of us walk our neighbourhoods without thinking twice—getting exercise, riding a bike, walking the dog, or going for a run. But what if movement through your area could also be a way God uses you to bring hope, peace, and love to your community? What if you could be FOR your area as you move through it?
That’s what a prayer walk or ride is all about. It’s simple, but powerful: praying as you go.
You don’t need special words. You don’t need to pray out loud (though you can if you want). You just need a willingness to invite God into the streets, homes, schools, community hubs, and workplaces around you.
Here are a few ways to get started:
1. Download Your Holy Here Prayer App
Join the fun by logging your walk into the Holy Here app. It’s easy to use and it shows all of the routes being covered in prayer. Once you’ve downloaded the app, just hit “start walk”.
2. Start Where You Are
Pick a route you already know—maybe around your block, the dock near you, near your kids’ school, or past the restaurant or shop you frequent. Commit to walking it once or twice this week. As you walk, thank God for what you see: the families, homes, and businesses along the way.
3. Pray Simple Prayers
Prayer walking isn’t about fancy words. Try short, heartfelt prayers like:
- “God, bless this family.”
- “Jesus, bring peace to this home.”
- “Lord, guide the teachers and students in this school.”
Think less performance and more presence.
4. Notice People
If you see someone walking their dog, working in their yard, or driving by, silently pray a blessing for them. Ask God to protect them, encourage them, and draw them closer to Him. You don’t need to stop or explain—just pray quietly as you move.
5. Pray for Places of Influence
Some areas are full of places that shape lives—schools, hospitals, businesses, parks. As you pass by, pray for the leaders, workers, and people inside. Pray for wisdom, justice, compassion, and peace to overflow there. Maybe after you pray for your area, you want to go downtown and pray for an area full of these types of places.
6. Expect God to Work
Sometimes prayer walking opens doors for conversations with people. Other times, the biggest change happens in you. As you walk and pray, God grows your compassion, opens your spiritual eyes, and helps you see your community the way He does.
This Week’s Prayer Walk or Ride Challenge
Choose one 30 minute walk this week. As you walk or ride, pray simple blessings over the people and places you see. Then, make a mental note one thing you noticed or felt God nudging you toward, and share it with a friend.
When Jesus sent His followers out, He told them to bring peace wherever they went (Luke 10). That’s exactly what you’re doing on a prayer walk. Step by step, prayer by prayer, you’re inviting God’s love into every corner of your community.
