WALKING WITH JESUS

WALKING WITH JESUS
Thursday, July 23, 2020 by Leona Choy

Walking is what human babies want to do after learning how to crawl. In normal situations it is what we do most of our lives. And walking is what we miss and mourn most in advanced years when we are wheelchair-bound or bedridden.

There's walking as self-transportation, walking for exercise, for fresh air, for one's health. Walking for exploration, pilgrimage, jaunts in the countryside, strolls in the city, marches for a cause, celebration processions, walking to raise money for a project, purposeful journeys and rambles with no particular destination. Speed walking, strolling. In the case of Jesus, water-walking

One of my grandsons, Dr. Ed, pastor of a forward-thinking, outreaching church congregation, has initiated PRAYER WALKING once a week at noon in the community where the church is located.

No hoopla. No noise, low key and informal. Anyone can join him for a happy, quiet sidewalk stroll of “two or three gathered in the name of Jesus, where He is in the midst of them.” Reading of an appropriate Scripture and a brief prayer kicks off the walk which respects the health-distancing current COVID-19 mandate.

The walkers pray silently in their own way for the possible needs of the people in the homes and businesses and schools and smile at pedestrians they may meet. Children may join in with parents who are welcome to push strollers or hold a leashed pet. Duration of the PRAYER WALK is pre-determined and weather permitting.

Why don’t you and I duplicate PRAYER WALKING in our neighborhoods, at the mall, in the park, at the swimming pool, on public transportation, while running errands, during supermarket shopping? An ideal spiritual occupation on various occasions when we have to wait. Wherever people are in evidence or human activity is accustomed to take place—there we can engage in mental prayer. It is just as efficacious as spoken prayer. God is a mind-reader. And He can read hearts.

Jesus warned against public show-off while praying, a negative custom of the religious elite in His culture. They were known for hanging around street corners obviously praying. They already have their reward—the admiration of people. Acceptable PRAYER WALKING is the opposite, more like “closet praying” in that it is done secretly and is heard and rewarded by our Heavenly Father.

“Who is my neighbor?” PRAYER WALKING is a super way to find out. The Holy Spirit runs front through your prayers for the occupants and hopefully you might meet them and have the opportunity to serve them in Jesus' name.

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Comments

Roger From Warda At 7/24/2020 4:38:14 PM

I enjoyed doing street evangelization with several friends. We offered prayers, free religious items along with pamphlets to help answer questions the walker might have. They stoped to hear an encouraging word from a smiling face, and gave a sincere thanks as they walked away. Thank you Jesus.

Reply by: Leona Choy

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm sure you were blessed in the process as you encountered strangers through the eyes of Jesus.

Ernest Lam From Orinda, CA At 7/24/2020 11:36:19 AM

I learned to prayer walk years ago from an inner church in Alabama. Over the years, my prayer walk in the morning has led me to know some of my neighbors, getting to know them to listen to their stories, gotten permission from them to listen to mine and share with them about my Father. Most import

Reply by: Leona Choy

Ernest, your experience is inspiring and confirming. Thank you for sharing. God bless your family and your important ministry for people navigating physical illness.

Cathy From Fincastle, VA At 7/24/2020 10:50:41 AM

Hi Leona ~ I, too, love this reminder. It's so easy yet meaningful and powerful to both the one praying and the ones being prayed for. Thanks!

Reply by: Leona Choy

I guess the reverse of this spiritual activity would apply to people who "watch the passersby" from a park bench, a resting bench in the mall, on the boardwalk, from one's porch or other stationary settled-in- place venue. WATCH AND PRAY would be the "watchword."

Joy Nordby From Brainerd, MN At 7/24/2020 7:21:40 AM

Thank you so much for these thoughts this morning. I am out walking most mornings and am in prayer much of the time. Great reminder to pray for those whose homes I pass, and for those who drive, bike, or walk by. Your devotions are a great encouragement! God’s Blessings to you! Joy

Reply by: Leona Choy

Thank you, Joy, for your encouragement. I write to target myself with each challenge--sort of a "self-talk" with my friends on the Internet listening in. No encounter or whomever we meet is by chance, I believe, but some opportunity the Lord presents us with. I love His surprises!

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