I’ve been coaching a group now for many months and recently we have been focusing on radical prayer walking. Here’s a glimpse…

The format of church has been shifting for a very long time and 2020 put it into high gear. A bunch of us have gathered and scattered for prayer walking and gathering for Disciplemaking including over zoom. I recently gathered this week with 35 people all over the world. INTERACTIVELY that is.

*To me, online church is not watching some guy talk for 45 minutes. Church is family and interactive.

We’ve even enjoyed communion over zoom when we gather. And then, we scatter!

Back to prayer walking…

Just the other day, there were 10 moms with strollers going out through their neighborhood locally!

Radical Prayer Walking (Shifting Atmospheres)

What is prayer-walking?

One simple definition: “Praying on-site with insight.”

The purpose of prayer-walking is to seek God’s guidance, mercy, and transforming power—both for the community and for ourselves as God’s servants in the community.

Remember, first…

The key to shifting atmospheres through prayer:

We must first invite Jesus to shift the atmosphere inside of us.

Example: “Search my heart God… Is there anything in my heart you’d like to heal?” (We did a teaching on this in one of my courses.)

When I call for prayer walking and deliverance buddies, I tell them: “Come prayed up, cleaned up, confessed up, and ready to go!”

When we attempt to shift atmospheres, this is key!

Once you have enjoyed time with Jesus – praising Him, thanking Him and then allowing Him to shift the atmosphere within you, you are ready to take His glory to the street!

Here’s another important key I’ve noticed in prayer walking: Do not engage in territorial spiritual warfare lightly. (Without seeking the Lord, it’s just asking for trouble on you and your family.)

Instead, repent for the sins committed in the area (yes – even if they were committed by others. Think of Nehemiah or to be more NT – you can pray: “Lord, have mercy! Forgive.”), and then pray a blessing of the fruit of Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

So, it could look like this…

1. Worship and Delight in the Lord, and Listen to Him…

2. Repentance (or pray: “Lord, have mercy! Forgive.”)

3. Blessing (of Holy Spirit)

These things have shifted atmospheres, neighbourhoods and families in a powerful way! Then, pray for anyone you run into! I have seen people healed of cancer, arthritis, kidney failure, etc. Jesus heals! (We will learn about praying for physical healing in an upcoming session.)

As you walk your neighbourhood or an assigned neighbourhood, you can Ask Jesus the questions we’ve learned to ask Him (week 3 of our foundational course).

“Jesus, what’s on your heart for this neighbourhood? Why?”
“Jesus, what’s the look on your face as you look at them? Why?”　
“Jesus, how are you praying for them? Why?”
“Jesus, how are you inviting ME to pray for them? Why?”
“Jesus, what promise and Scripture do you have for them? Why?”
“Jesus, if they embraced this promise, what gift would you pour out for them? Why?”

“Jesus, is there anything blocking them from your presence that you’re willing to show me?” (And if He shows you sin, etc – ask Him how He’s inviting you to pray.)

Caution: This discipline of prayer walking is to be entered carefully and especially if you are a burden bearer. (Do not take home burdens. Remember, you are to release the burdens back to Jesus.)

4. ‘Wash off’ after you walk through a neighbourhood. You can simply pray: “Jesus, I pray your shed blood over me to wash me off of all things I’ve come into contact with. Father God, pour your love over me. Holy Spirit, rinse me clean, and fill me up to overflowing! I declare that nothing can come home with me that is not of you Almighty God!”

For more of the teaching and helps, visit: www.freedomcoachingcircle.com

Provided by Merri Ellen Giesbrecht, Certified Life Coach & Spiritual Director
www.merriellen.com