Praying
It doesn't have to be
the blue Iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
– Mary Oliver
Praying. It doesn’t have to be complicated. I like to do it on foot. Sometimes, when I leave my front door, I imagine being watched from above and wonder if my route ever makes an interesting pattern. Sometimes, I force myself to walk very slowly, offering each footstep as a kind of blessing to the ground. Some days, I’m very present to the details—cracks in the sidewalk, color of the brick, sound of the birds—and other days my brain seems removed from its body. Every once in a while, I’m struck with an insight so clear it makes me laugh. Other times, I’m just smacked in the face with awe. Mostly, my body just says, “thank you.” And no matter the patterns, or the pace, or the plainness, in those moments I find peace. Or maybe it finds me?
Below I’ve outlined a few tips for the journey. There’s no “right” way to “do” a prayer walk. Perfection is never the point and accomplishing something is never the aim. Just pay attention. And walk.
Whether walking alone or with a group, prepare with some silence as a way to quiet your inner voice.
Seek a mindset of openness. Whatever you’re walking away from, trust it will be there when you return. Offer yourself to your environment leaving preconceived assumptions behind. If you’re comfortable, invite God to help guide your steps and observations.
As you walk, notice your pace. Experiment by intentionally slowing down. Play. How slow can you walk before you start to laugh at yourself?
What do you see? Try to avoid interpreting and simply observe. What do you notice that you’ve never noticed before? What makes you smile? What confuses you? What are you curious about?
Imagine your route as an ant might experience it. Imagine how a bird would perceive it.
During the walk or at the end, find a quiet place to sit and reflect upon your experience. Replay your route in your imagination. What moments / things / observations / colors / sounds / etc. stand out?
Shift your focus from your mind to your heart. What do you feel? What feelings did you notice stirring in you while walking?
If you’re comfortable, shift into a conversation with God. Ask questions like, “God is there something you want me to see? Something you want me to notice? Wait, be still, and listen.
If you sense anything from God, take note. Ask for clarity in areas that seem unclear.
Before returning to your daily tasks, rest in God’s presence for a few moments. Breathe. Notice your breathe. Say, “thanks.”