It takes time to intercede for others in prayer before the father, and prayerwalking allows for that time. Intercession is an essential ministry, not a last-minute, last-ditch effort of casually throwing things in God’s lap. Prayerwalking is not an easy way to “take care of prayer” while you get good exercise. it is a call to spend rich time with God, carrying others’ loads. The walking is only a means to making it all happen.
–PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline, pg. 111
It’s the book that I requested to review not because I “wanted” to read it, but because I knew I should: PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline. (I know—just the word “discipline” in a title is enough to scare a girl away!)
Reading the description on the back was encouraging. The first chapters inspired me enough that each morning I’d see the clock at 6 a.m. and think about getting up to go on a walk. But I’d just had a baby. Along with a million other excuses.
Finally, I actually propelled myself out of bed for a walk almost every single day in an entire week. And it was such a blessing.
It hasn’t yet become a daily habit, because of the baby and the time of year. But I want it to; I need it to.
If you’re struggling to find time to spend alone in prayer with God, if you need some more frequent exercise in your spiritual and your physical life, consider reading Prayer Walk. Janet Holm McHenry provides chapters with details on everything from monitoring your heart rate to walking with a prayer partner and making time for walking. You’ll even find guides for praying through your town and your family. Prayer Walk just might change the way you think about exercise and about prayer.
Some days I sense that the only reason I’m walking is to be with him. No petitions. No confessions. No anxiety to dump. Sometimes we just enjoy each other’s company.
–PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline, pg. 150
Being in the fresh air is glorious for the soul. It strengthens the weary heart. It renews the energy. And it reminds us what it is truly all about…the magnificence of our Creator. Pouring out my soul before Him provides such grace for the day. He cares about every little thing, concern, or fear on my heart. He has open ears.
–Lindsay on “The Joy of Prayer Walks” at Passionate Homemaking
(I received a copy of this book for free from Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review.)
Gretchen, thanks for this review! As a single I loved to prayer walk, even though I never called it that … I loved being outdoors and walking and it was a time for me to think out loud and talk with God. I am wondering if you have thoughts on how to make this happen as a young mom? (If it’s even possible at this stage?) My walks these days are times of talking with my son David (“Oh, look, a basketball hoop! Do you see the flag?”) and there’s not much time for prayer and contemplation because he is so interactive. How do you do it?
I’ve so far only managed to do it when the time of year and the daylight and the temperature coincide so that my husband is still home with the kids and not yet gone to work. And of course, then it still only works if the baby has been well-fed and can be content with Daddy while I walk! Lindsay had some good input here: http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2011/07/basking-in-beauty-the-joy-of-prayer-walks.html