Taylorie Bailey challenges the laity in every local church in Michigan to organize a prayer walk before the end of the year. Practical planning tips are included, along with a liturgy that congregations can download and adapt.
TAYLORIE BAILEY
Co-Lay Leader, Michigan Conference
Recently, I attended Discipleship Ministries’ School of Congregational Development (SCD) conference in Columbus, Ohio. Held every other year, SCD equips United Methodist lay leaders and clergy as they seek to plant and revitalize local churches.
One especially meaningful learning experience was “Evangelism 8.0: The Gospel Never Changes; However, Our Methods Can,” presented by Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand. Dr. Moore encouraged us to reclaim our evangelistic identity and reimagine evangelism in everyday spaces. One suggestion from the workshop was to challenge every church in the Michigan Conference to conduct at least one prayer walk around its church before the end of 2026.
The power of prayer is a subject very dear to my heart. Our churches have many churchgoers, but not enough disciples. We may need to focus more intentionally on making disciples for the transformation of the world, as we are called to do in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (NIV). Our churches should serve as refueling stations — places where we are spiritually renewed and equipped to go out and do the work of discipleship.
In many of our churches, congregations seem to prefer very short prayers during worship services. Yet we must not forget that “prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door,” as the gospel song reminds us. Prayer is one way we develop and support disciples, giving us the spiritual strength and power to be bold in our witness. I hope and pray that members of our churches will become more intentional about prayer, especially when we gather together.
It is painful to see so many of our churches close each year. A renewed emphasis on prayer may not prevent many churches from closing, but it is a meaningful step we can all take. We can pray collectively for our churches, and we don’t need a task force to do so.
We can remember how the children of Israel marched around the walls of Jericho and how the walls fell after their faithful obedience, praise, and worship. With Laity Sunday on October 18, 2026, perhaps we could promote this challenge in partnership with district superintendents, district lay leaders, clergy, and the laity faithfully serving in our local churches.
Participation would be optional, but many churches may be inspired to take it on. Each congregation could make its prayer walk creative and meaningful in its own context. Most importantly, it would give our churches an opportunity to come together in prayer, strengthen our commitment to discipleship, and seek God’s direction for the future.
As you consider organizing a prayer walk for your church and neighborhood, here are some questions for your congregation to consider together:
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- Who should lead it? Think broadly and let the Holy Spirit lead. Which lay-led committees or leaders might step up? Who has the gifts of leadership? Could a specific Sunday school class or small group organize? How might you involve your youth and children?
- What liturgy may be appropriate? Each church may adopt its own, but here is an example you can download and adapt for your context.
- Who would be included? Try to include as many as possible, including children, youth, mobile members, members who use wheelchairs or other mobility equipment, and members who are on Zoom or seated in the pews during the time allotted.
- Where and when would it be done? Preferably before or after a worship service to maximize participation. It could be held inside the church, but try to think beyond the church building’s physical walls. How could you expand it to the neighborhood around your church? Choose a date and time before December 31, 2026.
- What are the mechanics? This may include printed handouts and diagrams. Remind people to wear comfortable walking shoes, appropriate seasonal clothing, and umbrellas if there’s a chance of rain. Supply water bottles or other items to make the walk enjoyable.
The publication of this article was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on September 28, 2026