Prayer Walking at Hope Church, Tolworth

Prayer walking was one of the great ideas suggested at the brainstorming session during our January church lunch. It’s simple, meaningful, and powerful—something that every Christian can do. At Hope Church in Tolworth, we want to take steps of faith as we look to reach out to the local community, particularly the Sunray Estate and Signal Park. One way we can begin is by walking through these areas and praying as we go.

Why is prayer walking a good thing for us to do?
Prayer walking helps us acknowledge our complete dependence on God. We know it’s God who changes hearts and lives—not us—and we want to begin our outreach in His strength, not our own. Jesus Christ spent much of His ministry walking with His disciples, observing, praying, and teaching. In Matthew 23:37–39, Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem and was moved to pray. Likewise, Paul in Acts 17:6 was stirred while walking through Athens, and Jeremiah 29:7 reminds us to pray for the peace of the city where God has placed us.

At a recent service, Bart reminded us that our culture can be closed to the gospel. Like Paul in Colossians 4:3, we must pray that God opens doors so that His message can be received. Prayer walking is a way to seek God’s guidance and open those spiritual doors.

What is prayer walking?
Prayer walking is simply praying while walking through a specific area—asking for God’s blessing, protection, and presence in that place. It helps us become more aware of the community we’re called to serve. It’s not just a walk—it’s a walk with purpose. As we walk, we talk to God, listen to Him, and lift up the people around us in prayer. It’s a way to spiritually care for our neighbours and connect more deeply with the place He’s planted us.

How are we going to do it at Hope Church?
Details of where and when to meet will be shared with the church. We’ll begin with a short time of prayer, then go out in small groups (or families) to pray over specific streets. Children will have an activity sheet—parents, please bring colouring pencils and something to lean on. Afterwards, we’ll gather again to share and pray together.

Let’s walk the streets of Tolworth with open hearts, listening to God, and praying that the gospel would take root in every home.