Eagle Brook Church Blog

Walk in the Sunshine

Charlie Heishman is marching through his eighties in relatively good health. His wife, Maxine, spends much of her day in a wheel chair. Those who live nearby watch Charlie and Maxine achieve their routine walk almost every morning. As the sun rises over the Mule Mountains near Sierra Vista, Arizona, neighbors watch Charlie navigate Maxine down the sidewalk in her wheelchair—both are praying as they go.

Charlie and Maxine believe in the power of prayer. They’ve experienced answers in their personal life as well as in their family. As a retired couple, they stepped out in faith to help launch a church and watched God work through their prayers to bring many to Christ. It’s not unusual for friends to call and ask them to pray regarding specific needs.

The early morning journey through their neighborhood is by far their favorite prayer experience. By combining the disciplines of prayer and walking, they exercise both body and soul. They also pray with more insight into the needs of their community because of their personal observations.

Now that summer is here, many of us will be outdoors walking in the sunshine.  Here are a few steps to help you get started if prayer walking is a habit you’d like to develop:

Choose the location – your neighborhood, school or work place is a great place to begin.

Stay alert – ask God for insight into the needs of people as you walk. Pray for whatever God shows you.

Walk and pray – you don’t need to stop, close your eyes or pray aloud. Be sensitive to the people who are watching. Don’t be weird.

Carry pen and paper – you may want to make a note of something for future prayers or personal ministry.

Be courteous – greet people with a smile. If someone communicates a need, ask for permission to pray for the person. Pray in such a way that you don’t embarrass the person. Be brief.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. As we follow this instruction through prayer walking, we will be praying on-site with insight.