Every Place You Set Your Foot: Prayer Walking

Did you know that if you’re a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ you can speak with authority against evil spirits in His name, and pray for God’s will to be done in a specific territory? As we approach the Halloween season when the world glorifies witchcraft, the occult, and images of death, there are better things for us to do besides close the curtains and turn off the lights.* As children excitedly plan this year’s costume, parents buy candy and decorations, and people of all ages feed on thrillers and scary stories, we need to hit the streets and claim our communities for Christ.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people laid hands on others to pray—for healing, release from demonic influence, and to receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself laid hands on many when He performed miracles. There’s something about touch we need as humans. It communicates love, power, relationship, and so much more.

We can also touch the land where the people we’re praying for live, to release God’s presence in powerful ways—by prayer walking. God told Joshua before he led the Israelites into the Promised Land, “I will give you every place where you set your foot” (Joshua 1:3, NIV). They couldn’t claim the land as their own from the other side of the Jordan River—they had to walk the ground and possess it. We must do the same.

Have you ever prayer walked your neighborhood? Prayer walking is a foreign concept to many believers, even those who grew up in church. Many feel intimidated—afraid they won’t do it right. It seems weird and uncomfortable—they’re afraid of attracting a lot of attention.  But in reality, prayer walking is just going for a walk (preferably with a friend) and talking to God. Speak in a normal conversational tone and pause to greet people as you pass by. Just as Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs, prayer walking is more fun with a buddy—it keeps your mind from wandering and the prayers flowing.

As you walk:

• pray for those who live in the houses you pass
• the teachers, staff, and students in schools
• for God’s Spirit to be poured out in churches on your route
• for honesty and success in businesses
•  safe travel and an awareness of our loving Creator on highways and parks

Sing praise songs, quote scripture, and pray for everything that comes to mind. You’ll be amazed how fast the time goes.

Today I’d like to introduce a series I’m very excited about. I plan to post a new blog every day during the month of October from the book of Joshua, about claiming our land for Christ. I hope you’ll read each one and venture out to claim your “land” with prayer and praise. Watch what God does. It will be amazing!

And to get you even more revved up for this journey, next week I plan to post an interview with an acquaintance of mine in full time in ministry. She has prayer walked all over the world and has incredible things to share. You will be inspired by her story and even more convinced of the power of putting feet to your faith.

*If you’d like to learn more about Halloween and some possible alternatives for Christians, my book Taking Back October is a terrific resource! Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Back-October-Believers-Pursuit/dp/1502516292/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505868831&sr=8-1&keywords=taking+back+October

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

#prayerwalking #spiritualwarfare #claimingterritory #halloween #AllSaintsDay #Josh1:3  #Rom12:21