A Lenten Prayer Walk
You are invited to take a prayer walk during this Lenten season. A prayer walk is a time when you—on your own, with a friend, or as a family—walk with intention, seeking to abide in God’s presence through prayer and reflection. As you move through your neighborhood, this walk offers a simple yet meaningful way to quiet your heart, become attentive to God’s nearness, and spend time with the God who loves you deeply.
As you walk, you may find yourself drawn more fully into the reality of Jesus’ journey to the cross—remembering his life and ministry, and reflecting on the steps he took in faithful obedience toward his greatest sacrifice. As you walk through your neighborhood, notice the people, homes, streets, and signs of daily life around you. Jesus walked real roads, among real people, carrying the weight of the world’s brokenness and hope. As we follow him during this season, we remember that his journey to the cross was—and still is—for the sake of the world God loves. Let this time create space to lean into the grace and love of God poured out abundantly for you and for the world.
Throughout this guide, you will be invited to pause, reflect, read Scripture, and pray. These prompts are meant to guide you, not rush you. Feel free to make this walk your own: stop along the way, linger in prayer, add your own words, recall other Scriptures that come to mind, or step away from the guide as needed to notice your surroundings and marvel at God’s creation. Ask Jesus to draw you closer to his heart, to help you see your neighbors through his eyes, and to shape you more fully as his disciple. Move slowly and prayerfully. May this walk deepen your awareness of Christ’s presence with you, lead you into repentance and trust, and prepare you to receive the joy of Easter.
Blessings,
Pastor Pamela Palmer
As you walk, you may find yourself drawn more fully into the reality of Jesus’ journey to the cross—remembering his life and ministry, and reflecting on the steps he took in faithful obedience toward his greatest sacrifice. As you walk through your neighborhood, notice the people, homes, streets, and signs of daily life around you. Jesus walked real roads, among real people, carrying the weight of the world’s brokenness and hope. As we follow him during this season, we remember that his journey to the cross was—and still is—for the sake of the world God loves. Let this time create space to lean into the grace and love of God poured out abundantly for you and for the world.
Throughout this guide, you will be invited to pause, reflect, read Scripture, and pray. These prompts are meant to guide you, not rush you. Feel free to make this walk your own: stop along the way, linger in prayer, add your own words, recall other Scriptures that come to mind, or step away from the guide as needed to notice your surroundings and marvel at God’s creation. Ask Jesus to draw you closer to his heart, to help you see your neighbors through his eyes, and to shape you more fully as his disciple. Move slowly and prayerfully. May this walk deepen your awareness of Christ’s presence with you, lead you into repentance and trust, and prepare you to receive the joy of Easter.
Blessings,
Pastor Pamela Palmer
Prayer Prompt #1
As you stand at your doorstep, ready to begin this prayer walk, pause and take a slow, deep breath. Let your breathing become a reminder that Jesus walks with you—close at hand, even on the ordinary streets of your neighborhood. With each inhale, welcome his Spirit into your heart; with each exhale, release your cares to him. Let the breath prayers draw you into the presence of Christ who gave everything out of love for you.
Breath Prayers
Breathe in: “Jesus, you are near,”
Breathe out: “walk with me today.”
Breathe in: “Lord, I receive your peace,”
Breathe out: “and I let go of my fear.”
Family activity
As you breathe in, put your hand on your chest and imagine Jesus’ love filling you up like a warm hug. As you breathe out, hold your hand in front of your mouth and imagine letting go of any worries, fears, or anything that makes you sad—giving them to Jesus. Take a few more breaths like this, feeling Jesus with you as you walk step by step toward him.
Breath Prayers
Breathe in: “Jesus, you are near,”
Breathe out: “walk with me today.”
Breathe in: “Lord, I receive your peace,”
Breathe out: “and I let go of my fear.”
Family activity
As you breathe in, put your hand on your chest and imagine Jesus’ love filling you up like a warm hug. As you breathe out, hold your hand in front of your mouth and imagine letting go of any worries, fears, or anything that makes you sad—giving them to Jesus. Take a few more breaths like this, feeling Jesus with you as you walk step by step toward him.
Prayer Prompt #2
As you take the first steps of your walk, pause to read this passage of Scripture. Take a moment to give thanks for the Lord—His goodness, faithfulness, and unfailing love. From the cross, Jesus poured out grace and mercy for all of us. We are the recipients of that love, and it is unconditional and everlasting. Let this Scripture and prayer help you focus your heart and mind on God as you walk, praising Him for who He is and what He has done.
Scripture: Psalm 138:1-3
"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me."
Prayer
Lord, I praise you with all my heart. Thank you for your unfailing love and faithfulness, which never change even when I do. Thank you for answering when I call, for walking with me, and for strengthening me in every moment. May your love shape my heart and guide my steps as I follow Jesus’ path this Lenten season. Help me to trust your faithfulness, celebrate your goodness, and share your love with others as I follow you. Amen.
Family Activity
Take turns sharing one thing you appreciate about God’s love or faithfulness in your life. As you walk, look around for signs of God’s goodness in your neighborhood—people, trees, birds, or even a kind gesture—and thank God for them together.
Scripture: Psalm 138:1-3
"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me."
Prayer
Lord, I praise you with all my heart. Thank you for your unfailing love and faithfulness, which never change even when I do. Thank you for answering when I call, for walking with me, and for strengthening me in every moment. May your love shape my heart and guide my steps as I follow Jesus’ path this Lenten season. Help me to trust your faithfulness, celebrate your goodness, and share your love with others as I follow you. Amen.
Family Activity
Take turns sharing one thing you appreciate about God’s love or faithfulness in your life. As you walk, look around for signs of God’s goodness in your neighborhood—people, trees, birds, or even a kind gesture—and thank God for them together.
Prayer Prompt #3
As you walk around, take a moment to notice the world around you. Look at the sky, the trees, the birds, and the signs of new life pushing through the earth. All of creation—from the tiniest leaf to the vast heavens—points to God’s power and creativity. Even as we see the effects of sin and brokenness in the world, creation itself reminds us of our Creator and longs for the restoration that comes through Christ.
Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
Prayer
Lord, you created the heavens and the earth, bringing order, beauty, and life from what was formless and empty. Your Spirit hovers over all creation, sustaining it and giving it purpose. I praise you for the wonder of the world around me—the sky, the trees, the animals, and the changing seasons. Thank you for making me a part of this creation. As I walk, help me see how all of creation points to you and leads me to Christ, who restores and redeems all things. Amen.
Family Activity
Reach out and touch a patch of grass, feel the rough bark of a tree, pick up a stone, or notice a leaf. Talk about what you feel, what colors you see, and how each part of creation shows God’s handiwork. Share with each other your favorite thing about the outdoors.
Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
Prayer
Lord, you created the heavens and the earth, bringing order, beauty, and life from what was formless and empty. Your Spirit hovers over all creation, sustaining it and giving it purpose. I praise you for the wonder of the world around me—the sky, the trees, the animals, and the changing seasons. Thank you for making me a part of this creation. As I walk, help me see how all of creation points to you and leads me to Christ, who restores and redeems all things. Amen.
Family Activity
Reach out and touch a patch of grass, feel the rough bark of a tree, pick up a stone, or notice a leaf. Talk about what you feel, what colors you see, and how each part of creation shows God’s handiwork. Share with each other your favorite thing about the outdoors.
Prayer Prompt #4
As you walk, notice the houses around you and the people who live in them. These are your neighbors—people God calls you to love. “Neighbor” may sound like a simple word, but Jesus challenges us to see our neighbors in a deeper way. Love for our neighbors isn’t limited to those we know well or those who are easy to love. Jesus went to the cross for all people—friends and strangers alike—and calls us to show that same love in our neighborhoods.
Scripture: Mark 12:31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Prayer
Lord, help me to love my neighbors as you love me. Teach me to forgive those who have hurt me, to care for those who are different from me, and to see the needs of others with your eyes. Give me courage and compassion to show mercy, kindness, and grace in my words and actions. I pray for the people who live near me—may you bless them, provide for them, comfort them, and draw them closer to you. Use me as a vessel of your love, so that my neighbors see Jesus through my life. Amen.
Family Activity
As a family, talk about simple ways you can show love and kindness to a neighbor this week. Choose one or two ideas and put them into action.
Scripture: Mark 12:31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Prayer
Lord, help me to love my neighbors as you love me. Teach me to forgive those who have hurt me, to care for those who are different from me, and to see the needs of others with your eyes. Give me courage and compassion to show mercy, kindness, and grace in my words and actions. I pray for the people who live near me—may you bless them, provide for them, comfort them, and draw them closer to you. Use me as a vessel of your love, so that my neighbors see Jesus through my life. Amen.
Family Activity
As a family, talk about simple ways you can show love and kindness to a neighbor this week. Choose one or two ideas and put them into action.
Prayer Prompt #5
Think about the children, youth, and families in your neighborhood—whether at playgrounds, basketball courts, schools, or simply playing in their yards. These young lives are precious, and God calls us to guide, encourage, and share faith with them. Just as Jesus welcomed children and valued their place in God’s kingdom, we are invited to nurture the next generation in their journey toward Him.
Scripture: Judges 2:10
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel."
This reminds us of the importance of passing on the faith and God’s goodness to those who come after us.
Prayer
Lord, I recognize the value of the younger generations and the role you’ve given me in guiding them. Help me to listen, invest, and share your love and truth with children and youth. Give me eyes to see their needs, hearts to encourage them, and courage to point them toward the Good News of Jesus. May I honor you by walking alongside them in faith, helping them experience your grace and goodness. Amen.
Family Activity
As a family, plan a small project to care for your neighborhood together—like picking up trash at a playground, donating books to the neighborhood library, buying nonperishable items for the local pantry, or tidying a nearby park. Talk about how this simple act of service helps make your neighborhood a safe and welcoming place for children and families. Try to do this before Easter.
Scripture: Judges 2:10
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel."
This reminds us of the importance of passing on the faith and God’s goodness to those who come after us.
Prayer
Lord, I recognize the value of the younger generations and the role you’ve given me in guiding them. Help me to listen, invest, and share your love and truth with children and youth. Give me eyes to see their needs, hearts to encourage them, and courage to point them toward the Good News of Jesus. May I honor you by walking alongside them in faith, helping them experience your grace and goodness. Amen.
Family Activity
As a family, plan a small project to care for your neighborhood together—like picking up trash at a playground, donating books to the neighborhood library, buying nonperishable items for the local pantry, or tidying a nearby park. Talk about how this simple act of service helps make your neighborhood a safe and welcoming place for children and families. Try to do this before Easter.
Prayer Prompt #6
You are about halfway through your Lenten walk. As you notice the homes around you, you may see fences, gates, or other ways people seek safety and security. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for the protection of his disciples. Just as he lifted up others in prayer, we too can pray about our own fears, the safety of our loved ones, and lift up our neighborhoods before God.
Scripture: Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
Prayer
Lord, you are my refuge and my safe place. When life feels uncertain, when fear or trouble arises, I know I can rest in your care. I ask that you watch over my family, my home, my neighbors, and my neighborhood. Protect the children, the elderly, and all who live here. Help us to trust your faithful love, knowing that under your wings we are safe and cared for. Thank you that you are always near, ready to comfort, protect, and strengthen us. Amen.
Family Activity
Practice saying Psalm 91:4 together, using your arms as “wings” to remind yourselves of God’s protection. Encourage each other to recite this verse whenever you feel afraid or need comfort.
Scripture: Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
Prayer
Lord, you are my refuge and my safe place. When life feels uncertain, when fear or trouble arises, I know I can rest in your care. I ask that you watch over my family, my home, my neighbors, and my neighborhood. Protect the children, the elderly, and all who live here. Help us to trust your faithful love, knowing that under your wings we are safe and cared for. Thank you that you are always near, ready to comfort, protect, and strengthen us. Amen.
Family Activity
Practice saying Psalm 91:4 together, using your arms as “wings” to remind yourselves of God’s protection. Encourage each other to recite this verse whenever you feel afraid or need comfort.
Prayer Prompt #7
Along the walk, you’ve made choices, think about the decisions you’ve made—when to turn, when to go straight, watching for cars, or deciding to smile and greet someone. Every day, God gives you opportunities to make decisions, both big and small. Jesus, too, made a deliberate choice on his way to the cross. He surrendered fully to the Father’s plan, taking on the weight of humanity’s sin and choosing obedience, even when the path was difficult. As you walk, reflect on the choices you make: are they guided by the Holy Spirit or by your own plans and preferences?
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Prayer
Lord, help me to trust you completely, even when the right path feels uncertain or hard. Teach me to seek your guidance in every decision I make, big or small. Remind me that your plans are good and that you will lead me safely when I submit to your ways. May my choices reflect your love, mercy, and wisdom. Help me to walk in step with your Spirit each day. Amen.
Family Activity
Take turns walking in a straight line, one foot in front of the other, like you’re on a pretend tightrope. Try it slowly and carefully, then try with your eyes closed. Talk about how easy or hard it was to stay on the line, and how trusting God can help us follow the right path even when it’s hard to see clearly.
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Prayer
Lord, help me to trust you completely, even when the right path feels uncertain or hard. Teach me to seek your guidance in every decision I make, big or small. Remind me that your plans are good and that you will lead me safely when I submit to your ways. May my choices reflect your love, mercy, and wisdom. Help me to walk in step with your Spirit each day. Amen.
Family Activity
Take turns walking in a straight line, one foot in front of the other, like you’re on a pretend tightrope. Try it slowly and carefully, then try with your eyes closed. Talk about how easy or hard it was to stay on the line, and how trusting God can help us follow the right path even when it’s hard to see clearly.
Prayer Prompt #8
As you near the end of your Lenten walk and recognize more of the houses around you, think about the neighbors, friends, and family who are part of your daily life. These are the people who help you, encourage you, and walk alongside you. They’re the ones you can call when you need a cup of flour, help shoveling, or to get your mail when you’re out of town. Just as Jesus had close friends who followed him, learned from him, and supported him—even at the cross—we too are called to journey together in faith. Who can you walk alongside this Lenten season to encourage, support, and grow in Christ together?
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of friends, neighbors, and church family. Help me to be a friend who encourages, supports, and uplifts others as we journey together toward you. Guide me to the right friendships, and give me courage to nurture and strengthen them. May I reflect your love in my relationships and walk faithfully alongside those you place in my life. Amen.
Family Activity
Think of one person you can encourage this week. Create a small note, card, or compliment to share with them and deliver it before Easter. Talk now about how supporting a friend helps everyone grow closer to God.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of friends, neighbors, and church family. Help me to be a friend who encourages, supports, and uplifts others as we journey together toward you. Guide me to the right friendships, and give me courage to nurture and strengthen them. May I reflect your love in my relationships and walk faithfully alongside those you place in my life. Amen.
Family Activity
Think of one person you can encourage this week. Create a small note, card, or compliment to share with them and deliver it before Easter. Talk now about how supporting a friend helps everyone grow closer to God.
Prayer Prompt #9
As you stand back at your front door, pause to reflect on God’s provision in your life. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting more or thinking that our possessions define our success. But Jesus reminds us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Lent is a time to consider what treasures you are holding onto and whether your heart is fully devoted to Him. What might God be nudging you to let go of? Jesus gave his life so we could experience abundant life—not by accumulating things, but by living fully for Him.
Scripture: Luke 12:34
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Prayer
Lord, thank you for all the gifts and blessings you have given me. Help me not to let possessions, achievements, or distractions take my heart away from you. Teach me to treasure you above all else, to live generously, and to focus on what truly matters—following Jesus and serving others. During this Lenten season, guide me to reorient my life so that my heart, my treasure, and my priorities are fully with you. Amen.
Family Activity
Each person chooses one or more items—clothes, toys, or books—to give away to someone in need or to a local donation center. Talk about how sharing what you have points your heart toward God and helps others experience His love and provision, too.
Scripture: Luke 12:34
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Prayer
Lord, thank you for all the gifts and blessings you have given me. Help me not to let possessions, achievements, or distractions take my heart away from you. Teach me to treasure you above all else, to live generously, and to focus on what truly matters—following Jesus and serving others. During this Lenten season, guide me to reorient my life so that my heart, my treasure, and my priorities are fully with you. Amen.
Family Activity
Each person chooses one or more items—clothes, toys, or books—to give away to someone in need or to a local donation center. Talk about how sharing what you have points your heart toward God and helps others experience His love and provision, too.