There is a practice that is growing in popularity among believers for which I have been unable to find any scriptural foundation. It came to my attention again when a friend loaned me a book by Celeste Perrino Walker, Prayer Warriors: The Final Chapter.... prayer walks.
I contemplate the words of Jesus and find only this....
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly." (Matthew 6:5-6 MKJV)
The more I ruminate, the harder it is to fit the 'prayer walk concept' into this mold.
Is there another?
Did I overlook something? If so.... what?
Honest questions... what say you?
4 lovely comment(s):
Hi Ruth! How is your weather? Our high was around 50F. I had the prayer at a funeral memorial service just a few hours ago. It was tough as the deceased had struggled off and on spiritually. I pray that him and Jesus are having a great talk today!
Well in defense of the prayer walks, I think people feel it is a way to pray for specific areas geographically, I've seen them done while working at camp - we prayed at each cabin, the cafe, chapel, horse barn, lake etc...
I'm not sure if that is exactly what you're referring to, but I do know people who seem to feel this is necessary to gain a true spiritual blessing in certain areas of their city, church, school, etc... I think the main problems are, like the pharisee's of old, doing it for show and the other issue being a need to DO something in order to receive a blessing. Those who fall into the latter category often do anointing ceremonies and such to claim ground for Christ and shoo away evil angels. However, there is no ritual or ceremony that will rid an area of sin. Our only defense is to make Christ first in our lives and leave no room for evil Angels to lurk. A public building can be dedicated to God, but if those who are visiting have Satan living in their hearts, then they will bring his presence with them. We cannot control others by anointing or praying for them. But prayer is the best way to give God permission tow work in their lives and the rest is up to them as they CHOOSE to accept or reject the Holy Spirit.
This tends to be part of the charismatic movement that is creeping into parts of Christianity daily. Many do not see a danger here, but when you understand the big picture it can make your hair stand up to see little things creep in. The subtle deceptions are the worst as they are not discernable to those who are not aware of the Great Controversy Battle that is happening daily. When we take a stand against things like this that make us uncomfortable, we are seen as legalistic and worried. Unfortunately most people are unwilling to study the scripture for true light on these subject, but would rather do what they FEEL God wants them to do. This lack of interest in what the word says is telling.
@Papa: We're having nice moderate weather right now. I'm loving it and praising the Lord.:D On another note, I have no Scriptural proof that a person goes straight to heaven at death... I have found quite the contrary actually, so I'm a bit 'befuddled';) by your last remark.
@MJE: Yes MJE, that was what I was referring to... I was, in fact, wondering if those who participate in prayer walks had any Biblical support for it (however implied and remote) that I had overlooked. Your concluding paragraph resonated with me though... I found it instructive.
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings to you both :)
Hi! Popping over to say "hi" from Indian Lake Papa's. =D
The only "prayer walking" I know of is where a group of believers gather to walk around a (school, business, etc.) and pray as they walk. They pray silently as they walk. From the outside it just looks like a group out walking. More along the lines of "where 2 or 3 are gathered", I think. That's the only ones I'm aware of....
Have a wonder-filled day!
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