This worship experience is designed to be held outside. It is a meditative walk based on Psalm 23. Worshipers may experience the walk in groups or by themselves.
Participants will read Scripture passages at different stops along the path. They will be served communion in the middle of the walk. If possible, hold this prayer walk next to a river or lake so that station 2 can overlook the water.
Each worshiper should receive a handout with each station’s Scripture passage and worship instructions on it. You will also need to indicate, either in the handout or by marking each location, where participants should stop for each station.
At the end of the prayer walk, you could give each worshiper a simple cross necklace as a reminder of the blessings of salvation. You can purchase inexpensive wood or stone necklaces in bulk from Oriental Trading Company.
Station 1
Psalm 23:1-2a
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
Instructions: Sit or lie down on the grass. Touch the blades of grass and smell their freshness. Revel in the fact that God made this beautiful earth. Spend some time thanking God for his creation. When you are ready, move on to the next station.
Station 2
Psalm 23:2b-3a
“He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.”
Instructions: Listen to the sound of the water and let it calm you. Spend some time thanking God for comfort and salvation.
Station 3
Psalm 23:3b
“He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.”
Instructions: Spend some time in prayer seeking forgiveness for any sin in your life. Pray that God would lead you down paths of righteousness.
Serve communion as worshipers are leaving station 3, after they have spent time in confession.
Station 4
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”
Have writing utensils and some clipboards or other flat writing surfaces available at this station.
Instructions: Think about a time when life seemed overwhelming. Did you feel the peace of God at that time? Maybe you are going through a difficult time right now and are in need of comfort from the Great Shepherd. Use the back of this worship guide as a journal to write a prayer asking for the comfort that only God can truly give.
Station 5
Psalm 23:5b
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Station 5 will require anointing oil and a prayer intercessor who is comfortable anointing each worshiper. (If you will have a large volume of worshipers going through the prayer walk, you may wish to have several intercessors stationed here).
Instructions: Spend some time praying with the prayer intercessor, praising God for all that God has done and for all that God will do through and for us.
Station 6
Psalm 23:6
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.”
Instructions: This is a moment of praise! Read this verse out loud with a joyful voice.
