When I was doing mission work in Sarajevo, Bosnia I remember having weekly prayer walks around the city and particular areas of significance.
It was powerful and a rich experience and lesson in trusting God for His provision, favor and Will for the city and for our work there.
But I haven’t been in Bosnia in years… but with technology I could potentially take “virtual” prayer walks via Google Maps and Google Earth!
The North American Mission Board has specifically created virtual prayer walks for Haiti.
You can use Google Maps and/or Earth to follow the path and pray through them with even suggested thoughts for prayer:
I think this is a really neat way to do it, especially if you have a heart for a particular group or region or city but are unable to be there physically.
Old school religious activity meets new school technology. I’m a fan!
seriously! i think this is very clever.
Sarajevo? Bosnia? Looks like you have been in to lot of adventure…
loved it… permanently scarred from it though (literally)…
That’s really cool, and I would love to use that in places like Guatemala/Mexico. Especially as Street View becomes ubiquitous (eventually, of course).
Only thing is, I feel like there is a value to actually being there. I don’t know, maybe I’m crazy, but it *seems* like presence matters, on a physical level. I’m not sure I have any scripture on that one though.
P.S. I think part of that is: when I’m there, I’m praying more specifically, earnestly, consistently. When I’m gone it’s easy to pray: “Lord, be with them” or some other lame prayer.
lame prayers are loved by jesus…!
just kidding.
I’ve used street view to take virtual walks through cities i used to live in and was feeling homesick for but I’d never thought of using it for prayer walks. Cool idea!
i thought so too!
Here are directions for creating your own virtual prayer walk.
http://philsblog.net/2010/05/how-to-create-your-own-virtual-prayerwalk