Many Christians, like myself, want to enjoy an active prayer life. Wondering how to pursue a more fulfilling prayer life, I was reminded of a prayer wall. I’ve heard that Christian prayer walls are an avenue to make my prayer requests known and to discover the prayer needs of others. But I am wondering what a Christian prayer wall really is… and how can I even find one?
What is a Christian prayer wall? A Christian prayer wall is a designated place for people to post their prayer needs, usually in written form. In response, a surrounding community of believers will pray for the posted requests. Prayer “walls” can even be found online, amongst a community of believers, where one can find prayer requests from fellow believers on these sites.
What are the origins of Christian Prayer Walls?
The origins of Christian prayer walls are unknown. But we do know that prayer is a significant part of the active Christian lifestyle. Paul wants the Church to understand that we are to live with prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God” (Philippians 4:6-7). Paul knows that prayer is an important key in our relationship with the Father because He is listening to us (John 9:31). All throughout the Old and New Testament, we see the men and woman of God calling out in prayer and petition.
Though the origins of prayer walls are unknown, we do know the origins of communal prayer. Prayer in a community was taught by the first apostles and disciples, but even more importantly it was taught by Jesus. Jesus says “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Our Teacher urged His believers to come together in prayer and a prayer wall does just that. The prayer wall ignites a fire for the people to stay together in prayer in the midst of hardship or in triumph.
Why would I participate in a prayer wall?
Ephesians 6:18 says, “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication… making supplication for all the saints”. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we are called to pray and to specifically pray for others. A prayer wall is not necessary to pray, however, a prayer wall is beneficial to pray. It will draw you into the community of saints, who are all at the prayer wall for the same reason. You will come to see the needs of others, and others will see your needs, which is a bonding experience for all. To love those around you It is a Christian ideal, and partnering with others in prayer is a great way to show that love.
There is a brotherly bond in love when we pray for one another. When we hear the struggles of someone close to us, it is difficult to not have compassion for them. This is a love that models Jesus, who is constantly praying on our behalf (Romans 8:34). As Christ’s disciple, we have the ability to take part in the Father’s heart because he cares for us all. He hears our heart for our brother when we pray for them.
Remember that the brothers and sisters in the Church are important and we must pray for them. In James 5:14-16, it is made clear that prayer can cause freedom, healing, and salvation. Prayer is valuable. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him… And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up… Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working”. Prayer walls are a powerful way to pray for others in the Church.
The beauty of a prayer wall is the partnership in other peoples prayer journeys. Not only do we pray with our fellow believers, but we get to share the victory with them. When we hear a testimony of the Lord answering a prayer, big or small, we get to rejoice together. This is beneficial for the Church because it encourages the faith of all who participated in the prayer journey.
How do I participate in a prayer wall?
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of a prayer wall, it is time to find one. Often times, prayer walls are found in houses of worship. A local church is always a good place to start. Yet, there are other places to find a prayer wall. At Bethany Global University, there is a prayer wall in our worship and prayer room. There are also places called “houses of prayer”. These establishments are designated to prayer, so a prayer wall could be found. Another opportunity to consider is a discipleship program where prayer walls are used.
As mentioned before, prayer walls can also be found online. These prayer walls are a board ran by a Christian organization such as a church or ministry. It is a way to be heard by others in our modern world. Instead of physically writing out your prayer requests, you will type them. It is a beneficial way to stay connected with a church community while not being physically present. It is encouraged to remain close to your community, but an online board is a great tool to use when necessary.
Prayer walls do not have to be designated space or board, either. When we post a prayer request online, this is a form of a prayer wall because your prayers are being read. These prayer requests are real and the prayers for them are impactful. We all need a community of believers who are standing alongside us when trials and temptations come our way and a posted prayer is a great resource for support.
Now that you have the 411 on Christian prayer walls, it is important to find one. The Lord will lead you and guide you to a prayer wall, once you have asked Him for guidance. Seek Him and pray for His will to be done. “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).
I thought only the Jewish had prayer walls…
Now, a Christian prayer wall is not to be confused with a Jewish prayer wall. The origins are vastly different. The most popular Jewish prayer wall is called the “Western Wall” or the “Wailing Wall”, situated in the Old City Jerusalem, Israel. The Romans nearly destroyed it in 70 a.d, but it has been considered highly sacred by the Jews since the 2nd century.
Why is it considered highly sacred? Well, that can be answered by the fact that it is the last remaining wall of the ancient Jewish Temple of Jerusalem. The wall’s antiquity and reverence have made it a place for people of all faiths to treat the wall as a “prayer wall”, leaving their petitions within the cracks of the ruins.
However, it is not a Christian prayer wall, because the prayers are not to Jesus Christ exclusively. In Romans 10:13, it is evident that we must only call on the name of the Lord, Jesus. Many people will leave prayers, or meditate in this place to gods other than the God of the Bible. This makes it very different than a Christian prayer wall.