Walking and Praying (By Deacon Margaret Friesen)

1. Neighbourhood Prayer Walk.  A guide for going on a prayer walk was posted on this website during the week of “God’s Story Our Story” and is still available for downloading. That guide is particularly meant for people going on a planned walk—in a group. The purpose of a prayer walk is to pray for the people in the neighbourhood. It is important to conduct this walk with at least one other person both for encouragement and for protection. 

2. Walking and Praying. It is, of course, possible to pray any time and anyplace. If you are out walking simply for enjoyment or for the exercise, it is a wonderful time to pray. Rhythmic short prayers are especially good for maintaining your breathing while you’re walking. 
I especially appreciate praying the Jesus prayer while walking. For Example:
Breathe in, step, step__Lord Jesus Christ,
Breathe out, step step…Son of God, son of Mary
Breathe in, step step…Have mercy on me
Breathe out, step, step…A Sinner.
 
Some of the Celtic prayers lend themselves well to a walking rhythm:
Be above me
As high as the noonday sun
Be below me
The rock I set my feet upon
Be behind me
The wind on my left and right
Be below me
Oh circle me with your grace and light.
Na na na na na na Na na na na na na na (repeat)
(from the Lorica by Steve Bell)
 
I also pray through lists of names of my family as I walk. As I have many siblings and grandnieces and nephews, this often takes the full 45 minute walk.
I lift to you Peter and Sharon
And their children Heather & Ed, Colleen & Mike, and Owen
And their grandchildren-Nathan, Jon, Trinity
Storrie and Arlo
Et cetera, et cetera…
               
Another source of prayers is the Book of Common Prayer:
Oh Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us
Oh Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us
Oh Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world, grant us thy peace.
 
Or the Gloria:
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to his people on earth
Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.