After the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the desert, God called Joshua to bring His people into the land He had promised them. The commander of the army of the Lord appeared to Joshua with instructions essentially for a prayer walk around the city of Jericho. And let’s just say the Israelites’ obedience to his words, made history. (If you are unfamiliar with this incredible story, you can read the whole story here.)
What is Prayer Walking?
Prayer walking is just what it sounds like—praying as you walk. And you can do it anywhere: around your neighborhood, through your city, or even on your daily commute. Invite others to join you! As you walk together, let the Spirit of God use what you see to guide your prayers. Then, trust God to respond in His perfect way and timing.
One of the most impactful places for a prayer walk is around a school campus that means something to you. It puts you right where the students are—like God’s boots on the ground—allowing you to connect your heart to that specific location as you pray. And who knows? It might even lead to a chance meeting with a key person on campus. Many ministries have started with a simple “Hey there!” to a student or administrator during a prayer walk. A casual stroll can open unexpected doors!
If you have never done this before, no worries! Joshua—the young leader from the Bible—had not done it before either. It was his willingness and availability to God that mattered most. And the same goes for you—no experience required!
Prayer walking is just what it sounds like—praying as you walk.
Prayer Walk in Three Easy Steps
Meet Up (5 minutes)
Grab a friend or two and meet on campus- ideally after school or on the weekend. Select and read a meaningful passage from the Bible together. Take a minute to pray a blessing over this time, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers.
Walk & Pray (10-20 minutes)
Start walking the perimeter of the campus and let the Holy Spirit use who/what you see guide your prayers. Here are 5 ways you could begin praying:
- Ask God to move by His Spirit on this campus and be glorified.
- Pray people here would hunger and thirst for God.
- Pray for the believers here to live wholeheartedly for Jesus and make others feel seen, known, and loved by God.
- Pray for leaders in this school’s community (students, parents, administration, faculty, coaches, etc.)
Wrap It Up (5 minutes)
Select a spot to close your time together. Talk about how it went. Was there anything that stood out as significant or meaningful? Take a few minutes to thank God for this time. Express your love for Him and your confidence that He will respond to the prayers He heard today.
Other Prayer Walking Guides
If you would rather have a more specific guide to help you in your prayer walk, try one below:
- CYC Prayer Walk Guide
- Locations on Campus Prayer Walking Guide
- The Launchbox Prayer Walking Guide
- Make a list of prayer requests to pray about your specific campus
- Just invite people to pray for things that come to mind as they walk
One of the most impactful places for a prayer walk is around a school campus that means something to you.
Why Do It?
Prayer Walking Knocks Down Walls
What effect did Joshua’s and the Israelites’ obedience have on the fortified and powerful ancient city of Jericho? Well, the God of the Universe infused their faith-filled feet with power, causing the otherwise insurmountable walls of the city to collapse. That’s how they fought and won the battle of Jericho—without ever throwing a punch!
Now, maybe you are not planning to tear down any physical walls around your school—in fact, let’s definitely avoid that! But in the spiritual realm, every school is a battlefield for souls. On every campus, there are barriers to the gospel that need to be broken down. Inside every person, there are walls that separate us from God or keep us from fully experiencing the abundant life He wants for us.
Looking for a more current example of a battle fought and won with prayer? Check out this powerful story of what happened when a group of students in Marion, Indiana consistently and prayerfully put feet to their faith and watched God win the battle for their campus. If you want to read about more victories won with praying feet, check out Exodus 14 and 2 Chronicles 20:1-30.
Some Other Great Reasons to Prayer Walk Your Campus
- It is a place to gather other believers who have a heart for the campus.
- It is a way to be on campus with a purpose.
- Sometimes God uses these times to introduce us to key gatekeepers on campus.
- It might surface some needs on the campus with which you could help.
- It helps your team become more familiar with the campus and less fearful of going there.
- It is better than doing nothing. Sometimes God moves when we take action.
Within the campus ministry of Cru, prayer walking has actually been shown to be the single most effective strategy in seeing new gospel movements started.
– Dan Allen, Director of Mission Expansion
The powerful presence of God always has and STILL does mix with our prayers and supernaturally connects us more deeply to God, ourselves, and others. Prayer breaks down barriers that lie between us and wins the battle for souls.
Prayer walking can be your lead foot on any campus. Ready to grab a friend and step into the unknown with Him? Prayer walking is something anyone can do.