Parenting Points
Finding time to connect with God as a family can be challenging in a world filled with busyness and distractions. However, one simple yet powerful way to nurture faith and strengthen bonds within the family is through prayer walks. By combining physical activity with spiritual reflection, family prayer walks offer a unique opportunity to deepen your connection with God and each other while experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.
What is a Family Prayer Walk? A family prayer walk is an intentional time set aside for walking together as a family while engaging in prayer and conversation with God. It can take place in a variety of settings, such as a local park, a nature trail, or even around your neighborhood. The key is to intentionally incorporate prayer and reflection into the walk. Here are five tips for a meaningful family prayer walk:
- Choose a Scenic Route: Select a location that offers scenic views or natural beauty to enhance the experience of prayer and reflection.
- Set a Prayer Theme or Topic: Begin the walk with a specific intention or prayer focus. For example, you could spend one prayer walk focusing on God’s creation and praising Him for its beauty. You could spend a prayer walk around the neighborhood, praying for the neighbors whose houses you are passing. You could pray for a specific person, need, or upcoming event in your family.
- Engage the Senses: Encourage family members to engage their senses by noticing the sights, sounds, and smells of nature around them and reflecting on how they reveal God’s glory.
- Pray Aloud or Silently: Invite family members to pray aloud or silently as they feel led, allowing each person to express their thoughts, feelings, and desires to God. You may also want to walk in silence to listen to the world around you and the voice of God speaking to you.
- Reflect and Share: At the end of the walk, reflect on the experience and share insights, prayers, and blessings with one another.
Family prayer walks offer a simple yet profound way for families to grow closer to God and each other plus you might get some steps in along the way. As you embark on this journey together, may you experience the joy of encountering God’s presence in the beauty of creation and the warmth of a shared experience of faith as a family together.
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham
Writer and Speaker
