3:256 – Walking In The Rain

#faithnites #faithjourney walking

Setting

This morning was our planned prayer walk at church. It’s quite simple. A few people go walking through the neighborbood, observing what they can to determine the needs of the neighborhood, praying for the neighbors, greeting people they see, and if they are amenable to it, praying with them. It’s a great chance to become one with those you serve.

Today, God decided we needed rain. It was pouring down, but it didn’t stop the five of us from walking the neighborhood. We had our masks, umbrellas, and Jesus and off we went. We spent time looking at signs in the yards, state of the roads, gardens, and just spending time in God’s creation. While we didn’t interact with as many people as we wanted to, we learned about the neighborhood through observation, spent time together talking, and prayed.

When was the last time you went walking in the rain? How about just walking through the neighborhood greeting people and praying for your neighbors?

Scripture

• Leviticus 26:4 – Then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
• Psalm 72:6 – May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth!

Reflection

Let’s face it, sometimes we hate when it rains. It messes up out plans and can be a muddy mess. Other times we love it becuase we know the plants, the animals, and us need the rain. Our prayer walk would have been different without the rain today, but maybe just like the plants and trees, we needed it to rain.

The rain gave us a chance to observe the neighborhood when it was quite. We could see without being judged. We were able to make observations on how we might be able to help and where we might be able to meet people in the future. These rains may be just what is needed to bear fruit. Just like when planting vegetables or fruit from the trees, you don’t plant a seed and tomorrow you have the harvest. It takes time, water, and patience.

When we make observations, we are planting the seeds for the future. Some may turn into nothing while others may make life long impacts on us and our neighborhood. The key is to start somewhere.

So, don’t let the rain stop you from going out and observing. Everything God does happens for a reason, we just need to have faith and trust in him for it.

Challenge

You knew it was coming. I challenge you to take a prayer walk through your neighborhood. It doesn’t even have to be raining. Just walk and observe. What do you see? Are there certain houses that have specific signs in their yard? Are there welcome signs? Maybe you see a service project that could be done. Perhaps you are just walking and say hi to someone new. Maybe you and your family just stop and pray for a household. You may not know them, but God is working through you. Just take a walk. It’s good for you 🙂

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the cleansing rain. It wipes away the dirt from our eyes, feeds our plants and animals, and gives us the chance to see that everything happens for a purpose. Remind us that we are part of your family. That family lives beyond the four walls of our house and our houses of worship. Help us to be active in our neighborhood, even if it’s just walking and saying hi. Let us observe our neighborhood and turn it over to you. Let us be open to the needs of our neighbors and seek your guidance on how to pray and how to help others.

We love you Lord and know that to love your people, we need to know them. Help us get out of our own homes and be with your people. In your name, Amen.