We teach our children to make their beds, ride a bike and brush their teeth early in life in order to develop independence and necessary skills. Encouraging our children to develop spiritual disciplines also needs to begin early. Have you ever considered teaching your children about prayer through family prayer walking? 

Check out some of these ideas for prayer walking your neighborhood and community:

1. “For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14
   As you pass your next door neighbor’s home, pray for all who live there. Pray for salvation, health and God’s spirit to abide within the walls of the home.
2. “…All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145: 14-16
   Pray for those living at a home with a garden. Pray for God’s blessing on what is grown and for the time spent in cooking and eating the produce as a family. Thank Him for providing food to your home and their home.
3. “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthews 5: 14-16.
   Standing under a street light or when seeing a neighbor’s porch light, pray that God will allow you and your family to be light to your neighborhood.
4. “For this reason, also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” Colossians 1:9.
   As you walk down the street, pray that God will fill your neighbors’ hearts with a desire to know more about Him.
5. “I called to the Lord in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.” Psalm 18:6
   Pray for families that are dealing with difficult times. Pray for God’s peace and presence to be near them. Pray they will seek His will and trust God during this difficult time.
6. “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
   Thank God for allowing you to live where you do and for your neighbors, whether near or far. List things for which you and your family are thankful.
7. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1.
   Take time to appreciate the clear blue sky, find shapes in the clouds or enjoy the beautiful hues of color in a sunset. Thank God for eyes to see and appreciate His creation.

As you have your times of personal devotion, start a list of Scriptures you can add to your prayer walks. Encourage and challenge your children to pray as they feel led to pray for friends and others in your neighborhood. Celebrate that God’s desire is for you to talk with Him as a friend.   

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

by Cheryl Markland  /  Children & Family Ministries Strategist  /  Baptist State Convention of North Carolina