Boots on the ground

June 19, 2019

In WW1 "boot" was shorthand for "soldier". These days, “boots on the ground” refers to combat troops deployed in a foreign country. In prayer circles, “boots on the ground” means intercessors, including advance troops, who walk/cycle/drive through specific areas while praying to extend God’s Kingdom and occupy territory. We carry God’s presence within us; in prayer walks, we intentionally declare and establish His Kingdom.

The GHPL has completed a strategy of praying through Eastertide and Ramadan up to Pentecost. After the Spirit was poured out on the 120 in the original Pentecost, the believers publicly “declared the wonders of God” in various languages “as the Spirit enabled them”. After Peter spoke, “about 3000 were added to their number that day” (Ac 2:4, 11, 41), and the church was birthed.

Have you ever done a prayer walk? Likely, many of you have. If not, now is the strategic time to begin. You can most easily do it alone or in pairs or threes. You can walk, cycle, or drive. If you’re not mobile, let your fingers do the walking over a map. Find your city among the maps on the Loving Muslims Together website. The maps show the number of Muslims from different people groups living in different areas https://lovingmuslimstogether.outreach.ca/statistics

Where and when do you do a prayer walk? Prayer walking can take place as part of your normal routine – you just become intentional about praying as you are out and about. Or you can designate a regular time to prayer walk your neighborhood, near a local mosque, places where there are Muslims and so on. Or you can ask the Holy Spirit, “Where would You like to send me/us for prayer today?” and off you go on an adventure.

What do you pray? Pray in tongues. Pray scripture. Pray aloud (you can do this discretely J). Pray in the name of Jesus. Declare God’s worth, His goodness, love, and saving power. Lift up Jesus Christ who said He would draw all people to Himself. Pray Christians would love boldly. Intercede for mercy for the people, for light and truth to dispel darkness and deception and for them to have revelation of Jesus. Pray God’s shalom over situations and issues. Pray for wisdom for those in authority. Greet and bless those whom the Lord puts in your path. Pray for individuals when opportunities arise.

Words of wisdom:

  1. On July 1, 2001, Edmonton experienced the “Canada Day Riot” on Whyte Avenue. A friend and I wanted to prayer walk the area but first sought the blessing of the pastor of a church just off Whyte. He told us many intercessors would come to that area and do spiritual warfare, and “all hell would break loose”. The local congregations would be left picking up the pieces. He requested that we limit our prayers to worship and blessing, which we were happy to do.
  2. Wherever we extend the Kingdom of God, we are at war. Others may not understand that we’re using spiritual weapons to bless, and our warfare is not directed against people. Be discerning in how you talk about what you’re doing and who you talk to.
  3. In some cultures (including Arab culture) boots and shoes are associated with humiliation and uncleanness. Many Muslim refugees have been oppressed by military forces. Be sensitive so your prayer “boots” don’t inadvertently trample anyone!
  4. A prayer walk is an adventure with the Holy Spirit. Our personal agendas have no place here. Listen and obey Him (Ex 23:20-21) and enjoy the adventure!

About Leslie

Leslie knows by faith and experience that our heavenly Father puts His prayers in our hearts and then listens to our hearts’ cry as we pray them back to Him. We hear God, and God hears us.

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No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion.

Nelson Mandela

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind. And your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus