A Walk Through Your Neighborhood
Today you’re invited to take a prayer walk through your neighborhood. Depending on your neighborhood, the weather, and your abilities, this walk may be a literal walk, a virtual walk, or an imagined walk. Please adapt this spiritual experience and grounding exercise to fit your body and your context. If one of the physical sensations is difficult for you, you may replace it with one that is more appropriate. For example, if you are hard of hearing, you may do extra things you see.
Opening Prayer:
Gracious God, all you have created is good. The world around me. My neighbors. My body. You have led me to live this in place. As I go now, help me to see your blessing around me, to see where your grace is blossoming, and to imagine where more love might be shared. Amen.
As You Go:
- Name five things you see. Say them aloud or in your heart. (Example: I see trees.)
- Name four things feel with your body. Say them aloud or in your heart. (Example: I feel the cool breeze on my face.)
- Name three things you hear. Say them aloud or in your heart. (Example: I hear the neighbor kids singing Frozen on the trampoline.)
- Name two things your smell. Say them aloud or in your heart. (Example: I smell someone cooking on the grill.)
- Name one thing you taste. Say it aloud or in your heart. (Example: I taste my toothpaste.)
As you continue:
- You may continue to repeat the above exercise as many times as you desire as you journey.
Closing Prayer:
Holy One, I have experienced things today that brought me joy, that saddened me, that gave me peace, that stirred me to action. As I continue to contemplate my neighborhood, grant me your peace, your wisdom, and your vision that I may be an agent of your grace in the world. Thank you for creating me and for all the amazing things my body can do. Amen.
Reflection by Pastor Colleen Montgomery