Prayer Walking on top of the world

Located in Yancey County 30 miles northeast of Asheville, Mount Mitchell State Park was the genesis of North Carolina's state parks system. At 6,684 feet, the mountain is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and an observation deck provides breathtaking mountain views on a clear day.

On the top of Mt, Mitchell, in the Black Mountains of North Carolina, fir and spruce trees point up to a heavenly sky and fill the air with the heady smell of balsam. The spruce-fir forest of Mt. Mitchell is a remnant of the vast boreal forest of the last ice age. Breathing in the cool conifer air, one understands the firs have become a unique species, Fraser firs. These Fraser firs are now found only here in the high mountains of the South.

When you’re on a mountain top you tend to think of yourself as being closer to God. The Spruce-Fir forest on Mt. Mitchell exists predominantly above 5,500 feet. Prayer walking amongst the Fraser fir and red spruce trees definitely gives one the experience of being almost in Heaven. However, you don’t need access to a mountain top to walk with God.

Scripture is clear about the significance of prayer to the work in the kingdom of God. In fact, God has chosen prayer to be one of the primary means by which He accomplishes His purposes in the world. The goal is about obedience to God’s command to pray for others and faithfulness to join him in his work. It’s easy to forget about prayer in our busy daily lives. However, in these uncertain times, the best refuge is seeking strength, comfort and peace with God.

Prayer Walking has been in existence from the time that man and woman were created. It brings life to the meaning of praying without ceasing and light to the meaning of love thy neighbor as thyself. In order to walk with God, in His Holy of Holies, one must master these two principles. Many people have been learning to quietly pray in the places where they live or work. This type of on-site intercession is known as "prayer walking." Prayer walkers pray beyond their own concerns, focusing prayer on behalf of their friends, neighbors or co-workers.

Prayer walking is all about praying in the locations for which you are seeking intervention from God through Jesus Christ. When praying, it helps to actually see who or what you are praying for rather than just thinking about it. Visiting your physical prayer location can empower you so that your prayer will have the most impact. The idea is to use the five senses to increase your understanding of what your location needs you to pray for.

It is recommended that you prayer walk in teams of two or three with four being the maximum size group. In Matthew 18:19-20 the Word of God promises that "if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Just casually stroll through your own neighborhoods, school yards and work places, praying as you go seeking the Holy Ghost to intercede for you as applied in Romans 8:26.

Prayer walks can be as short as a few blocks or as long as several miles. The objective is primarily talking to God about the people rather than talking to the people about God. God said to Jeremiah, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Prior to beginning a prayer walking mission, each prayer walker should ask God to search and examine their heart(s) to ensure that there is nothing in their live(s) that would block their prayers. The goal of the prayer walker is to pray salvation into the household so that each may receive all of the blessings and promises that God has for them. Draw on praise and worship and invite God's light to permeate any darkness. Where you sense the dark, summon God's grace and love to overcome it, and immediately enter into His Chamber of Worship.

As you pray for God's promises with specific homes, churches or worksites in view, you will witness the prospects of the people in those places begin to grow. You will see people as God might view them. You may find yourself becoming more interested in the community you are praying for. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…" (Matthew 7:12).

Be alert for the ways God may compel you to display his love in viable acts of kindness. Always remain vigilant for the opportunity to offer prayer with inquisitive neighbors. Request that God provide you with knowledge to clearly explain how people can learn about His love and faithfulness through the power of the Gospel.

><((((º> .· `·.. ><((((º> .· `·.. ><((((º> .· `·.. ><((((º>.