prayer Walking
PRAYER WALKING AS LISTENING EXERCISE
Prepare
This is a slow-paced, silent walk that can be done preferably outdoors. Have no goal in mind. Its purpose is to be mindful of what you are noticing through your senses and listening to what God may be saying to you. Linger over those things that draw your attention. Resist all temptation to “talk” to God.
Begin your walk by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. You may wish to use this phrase, “Speak, Lord, for I am listening.” This may be repeated if you find yourself losing focus during your walk.
Engage
Be observant and curious as you walk. What catches your attention along the way? How is creation speaking to you? What causes you to linger anywhere for a time? What prompts your curiosity?
Wonder
Be thoughtful. You might begin to wonder more deeply about those things that catch your attention. Why are you drawn to that? How might it be relating to your life? What do you hear it saying to you? Allow yourself to be attentive to what God might be saying to you.
Reflect
When you finish, spend some time thinking about what you experienced on your listening prayer walk. You might journal your thoughts.
Note: You can do this with a partner, but agree in advance that you will not talk to one another during the walk. At the end, you can share your impressions with one another in a rich dialogue.
Prepare
This is a slow-paced, silent walk that can be done preferably outdoors. Have no goal in mind. Its purpose is to be mindful of what you are noticing through your senses and listening to what God may be saying to you. Linger over those things that draw your attention. Resist all temptation to “talk” to God.
Begin your walk by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. You may wish to use this phrase, “Speak, Lord, for I am listening.” This may be repeated if you find yourself losing focus during your walk.
Engage
Be observant and curious as you walk. What catches your attention along the way? How is creation speaking to you? What causes you to linger anywhere for a time? What prompts your curiosity?
Wonder
Be thoughtful. You might begin to wonder more deeply about those things that catch your attention. Why are you drawn to that? How might it be relating to your life? What do you hear it saying to you? Allow yourself to be attentive to what God might be saying to you.
Reflect
When you finish, spend some time thinking about what you experienced on your listening prayer walk. You might journal your thoughts.
Note: You can do this with a partner, but agree in advance that you will not talk to one another during the walk. At the end, you can share your impressions with one another in a rich dialogue.