ARE YOU FEELING HELPLESS ABOUT THE STATE OF OUR NATION AS WE APPROACH THE ELECTIONS?
If you answered yes, you’re not alone. According to a poll in May 2016 taken by the Associated Press and NORC Center for public Affairs Research, 55 percent of Americans say they feel “helpless”about the 2016 elections. Among voters younger than thirty the number increases to two-thirds.
I’m ashamed to admit it, but in the wake of all that has taken place in our nation in recent months, my prayers have waned. I was feeling pretty helpless myself as I approached God in regards to topics such as moral decline, violence between police and black men, racism, religious tension, same-sex marriage, the candidates we have to choose from, and the list goes on (and on and on and on).
But God is so faithful, even when we are not. He spoke to me through His Word, reminding me that HE IS IN CONTROL.
“He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!” 2 Chronicles 20:6
God also reminded me that we are not helpless. God’s people are never helpless. We are victorious and we need to start acting like it. In case you haven’t noticed, or in case you have forgotten—WE ARE AT WAR.
But we are not fighting alone nor are we fighting with mere human weapons.
“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
One of the mighty weapons the scripture above is referring to is PRAYER.
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16
NEVER EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER!
NEVER EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER! #prayerwalking https://t.co/GrNytKnxGZ James 5:16
— Beckie Lindsey (@BeckieLindsey_) October 4, 2016
Christian friends, we need to stop whining, stop feeling helpless and get to praying! Here’s a form of prayer that is empowering Christians across America: Prayerwalking.
PRAYERWALKING
All over the world, God is helping Christians to pray as they walk through the streets of their communities. The idea of prayerwalking through your community is to allow your prayers to extend beyond your own concerns, focusing on the needs of others, while opening yourself to see them with God’s eyes and heart.
Prayerwalking is simply taking our prayers to the very places we desire to see God’s presence manifested.
Another way to put is: Praying on sight with God’s insight.
Prayerwalks are taken by individuals, groups and even whole churches. They can be as short as one block or as long as many miles.
Although you won’t find the word ‘prayerwalk’ in the Bible, walking was a major mode of transportation in biblical times, and clearly, people must have walked and prayed at the same time. When God made a covenant with Abraham, He said to him:
“Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.” Genesis 14:13-17 NLT (emphasis mine)
I remember the day my family first moved into our home. We had waited months for it to be built and now we were going to move in! My family stood on the front porch and prayed, thanking the Lord and dedicating the house for His use. With great excitement we walked through every room, opening closets and cupboards, examining every detail. We walked around the outside, front yard and back. At first, it seemed like a dream, but over time, we began to take possession of “our” house.
I believe this is why God had Abraham walk his property. God wanted Abraham to truly take possession of his land and exert his authority over it.
HOW PRAYERWALKING WILL HELP OUR NATION
Another important purpose for prayerwalking is to repossess land currently under the enemy’s control (John 14:30, 2 Corinthians 4:4) and regain it for God’s kingdom. Remember there were other people living in the land when God told Abraham to walk through it. It would be hundreds of years before God’s Promised Land would be possessed by Abraham’s descendants. However, in the spirit realm, it belonged to Abraham the moment God gave it to him. It is the same for us, as Abraham’s descendants now.
The United States of America needs to be repossessed for God’s purposes!
The sin of Adam and Eve brought a curse on the earth, giving the devil legal grounds to exert authority over earthly realms. Jesus broke the power of the enemy by dying for our sins on the cross and leaves it to His church to enforce the power of what He did on the cross until He returns. While we wait, our job is to take back all the ground that Satan currently holds. Every place on this earth that does not have the full light of the truth of God’s glory and grace through Jesus, is there for us to claim and possess! Through prayerwalking, we can boldly claim God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done.
As Christians, we have a responsibility to pray for our leaders (1Timothy 2:1-3). The Bible tells us that government is appointed by God (Romans 13:1, Daniel 2:21).
If you’re like most Americans, you’re deeply concerned about the ramifications that will follow this monumental election in November—no matter who is appointed Commander and Chief.
We are not powerless! Prayer is a mighty weapon.
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16
Because all government is appointed by God, we need leaders who fear God. We can take repossession of our nation only through the humility of prayer.
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
HOW TO PRAYERWALK FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS:
Intercessors for America (IFA) has taken away all of the guesswork. This trusted organization has been around since 1973. As stated on their website: “Intercessors of America informs, connects, and mobilizes intercessors to pray for our nation and our leaders. We desire to reach Christians in churches and communities nationwide with information and tools to unite them in effective prayer.”
I strongly urge you to check out the resources IFA has to offer below:
Intercessors for America https://www.getamericapraying.com/about
Prayer Guide for America https://www.getouttheprayer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2016-Presidential-Election-Voter-Prayer-Guide-9-21-16.pdf
Sign up to commit to pray for a mighty work of God as we approach November 2016 elections. https://www.getouttheprayer.com/#section1
Please get the word out about prayerwalking for our nation by talking to other believers as well as your church and Bible study leaders.
Preparation to Prayerwalk
- Pray for God’s Spirit to search your heart—Psalm 139:24-25
- Confess and forsake all known sin—1John 1:9
- Pray in repentance and faith—Mark 1:15
- Pray for discernment to pray strategically—Ephesians 1:8
- Pray for opportunities to share the hope of Christ boldly—Colossians 4:2, Acts 4:31
- Sketch a map to focus on a selected street, business, homes etc.
- Write out scriptures on note cards.
- Keep track with a prayer journal where you are walking and scriptures being used.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
How to Prayerwalk
- Ask God to remove barriers.
- Invite the Spirit to accompany you.
- Pray with a partner, group or alone.
- Pray Bible verses aloud quietly (unless it will be drawing undue attention).
- Watch for God to show you what He wants you to pray for.
- Pray for present-hour needs as God reveals them.
- Use short sentences, talking to God in a conversational manner.
- Walk slowly.
- Be prepared to explain what you’re doing to inquirers. “We’re praying for God’s blessing on our neighborhood. Is there anything you’d like us to pray for you?”
- Be persistent. Repeat the same areas near your work, school, or home on a regular basis. You’ll see it deepens your awareness of God’s heart.
After Your Prayerwalk
- Record in your prayer journal what took place on your prayerwalk and any answered prayers.
- Thank and praise the Lord for what He is doing in your community/city.
Some Locations to Consider For a Prayerwalk
- Your neighborhood or work
- Government buildings
- Churches or possible locations for new churches
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Business areas
- Sights of other religions, false religions, or cults
I have experienced great benefits and results from prayerwalking (and jogging). But I’d also like to mention, to believe that prayers offered in any setting, or while in any position, are somehow ‘more effective’ than those offered at another time or in another manner is NOT scriptural. Our heavenly Father, who is everywhere at all times, knows exactly what our needs are presently and will respond to them in His own perfect will and timing.
Let’s rejoice in the fact that He allows us to be part of His plans through our prayers!
What are your thoughts on prayerwalking?
Are you planning to prayerwalk for our nation?
Please respond in the comments below.
Here’s a quick video on Prayerwalking
Want to read more on prayerwalking? Suggested reading:
http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Walking-Praying-Site-Insight/dp/0884192687
http://www.amazon.com/PrayerWalk-Becoming-Prayer-Strength-Discipline/dp/1578563763
Love, love, love this concept of prayer-walking, Beckie! It is so down-to-earth and personal as we ask our Father in Heaven to shed His Holy Spirit upon our neighbors and friends. I’m inspired to skip my treadmill at the gym to walk my neighborhood, praying for those who live there as I pass their homes, and truly offering to them, by prayer, the witness of God’s love.
Our nation does need to be reclaimed as a City on the Hill. I’ve shared here the link to a poem I wrote about this very issue: jordanorlando.blogspot.com/2016/09/city-on-hill.html
My hope is that it brings you hope!
Blessings!
Martha, Thanks for sharing the link to a City on the Hill. Wonderful! I hope you will check out the links to Intercessor for America. You can put your neighborhood on their online map and join with thousands of other Americans praying!
Let’s shine our lights!
I will do just that, Beckie, and I will share with my church. Thank you so much!!!
Blessings!
I can hear the fire shut up in your bones! You were certainly Holy Ghost Inspired when you wrote this. I’m about to jump up and do something to make a change. Excellent read. Inspired motivation!
Shira, I am so glad my passion for the power of prayer came through! I will be speaking to my women’s Bible study of around 150 women about Prayerwalking this week. My heart is to take back our families, neighborhoods, cities, this great nation, and the world for Jesus Christ!
Amen. You are prepared!
How to do the prayer walk…was very helpful. Sometimes we start the prayer walk and get stuck in the middle.thank you
Mary, I’m so glad this was helpful. Be sure and check out Intercessor for America. It’s an awesome resource. Blessings on you as you prayerwalk!
Dear Beckie,
Thank you so much for presenting this teaching about prayer walking in context of our responsibility to pray for our nation and its leaders. I need to make this a more regular practice, and now I feel more equipped to do so. I just printed the IFA Prayer Guide – what a terrific resource! Thank you from my heart for your prayers and obedience to the Holy Spirit in writing this post. I believe the effects of your message will multiply as God hears our prayers and responds according to His will.
Lots of love to you in Christ,
Emily
Emily,
I’m so excited to hear that you printed off the info. provided by IFA. They are a great resource. You can contact them through the links to get a packet sent to you for your church or prayer group as well if this is of interest to you. Thanks for your encouragement, dear sister-in-Christ!
This is very powerful Beckie, thanks for the wonderful encouragement and teaching. Prayer waking is something I do so I identify with all you have written, it is a powerful way of praying as you explained! God bless you & America !
Deborah,
I’m glad to hear that prayerwalking resonates with you. I hope you will check out the links to Intercessors for America and consider adding your name to the map of prayer warriors. We can cover our nation in prayer together!
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Blessings to you and yours.
Thanks Beckie I will check the link – I live in England but I intercede for all nations including America
Deborah, How wonderful that you are praying for the USA. The body of Christ spans the globe and we must be unified in prayer. I just love how we can be connected through technology. So fantastic!
Blessings to you, dear sister.
Yes I agree, thanks & blessings to you too xx
Thank you for this Becky! I love the idea of prayerwalking and I will be sure to pass this along to my pastor and our church. I am a serious advocate for the power of prayer and I also spoke about that in my blog (www.jacksonmeadows.com). Take a look and may we all work together in prayer for a change in our nation!
JM4Christ, I’m honored to join with you in prayer. Yes, please pass along the info. from this post—expecially the resources from Intercessors for America to your pastor and church. Let’s get the body of Christ unified in prayer for our nation!
I’ll take a look at your blog as well.
Blessings to you and yours!
Yes and amen!
Such a powerful post!
Thanks, Neli!
Poignant post. I have pastor friends who prayed the perimeter of Rhode Island. Now they are praying down every street in their town. I will join them soon. thank you for putting a spotlight on this.
Cherrilynn, Wonderful news about your pastor friends! Will you make them aware of the resources available through IOA above? I’m thrilled you’ll be joining in prayer as well.
Blessings on you and your community.
There is power in prayer!
Thank you, Beckie, for this powerful post. Yes, at times, I get discouraged with where we are right now as a nation, but your post reminded me of two things: God is on the throne, and I can do something – pray! thank you, Beckie!
Crickett, Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I hope you’ll spread the word about the information above for IOA. Our prayers matter!
I love these resources for prayer walking. A mentor of mine did this regularly and had some great stories of how God used it. Thank you so much for this post.
Heather Bock
http://www.glimpsesofjesus.com
This is a great idea! We’ve done prayer walks locally for outreach events, but how wonderful to join with others across the nation!
Blessings, Leigh
Leigh, Thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope you’ll check out the great resources from Intercessors (IOA) above. Blessings to you and yours!