Prayer Walking

 Observing a community physically and in an attitude of prayer enables community analysis to be grounded in a revelation of God’s heart rather than programmes or attempts to solve problems. A prayer walk was pre-planned, following a designated route and schedule. This was advertised through social media, and through flyers delivered to each house and business on the route, which invited prayer requests.

The prayer walk included specific prayers for known households and businesses, pauses in strategic places to listen to God, and songs of praise. The following observations appeared important:

Care

There is individual investment in making and maintaining pleasant places to live in. Front doors opening directly onto the street are often ornamented with plants and hanging baskets. Disused land has been reappropriated as community gardens. Communal bins are kept clean and create informal meeting places.

Development

Properties between Park Road and Windsor Street are generally in better condition than those on the opposite side of Windsor Street, with investment in exterior paintwork and windows. The opposite side of Windsor Street has a more properties undergoing extensive renovations, giving a feeling of temporary occupation and transition.

Fear

Many properties have cameras and security lights installed, adding to the feeling of unease and fear that was sensed on a number of the streets, particularly on those between Maud Street and Windsor Street. In a conversation on one of these streets it was offered that flowers placed outside of the homes of non-white residents are often destroyed, and racial tensions were suggested.

Work

The area contains varied places of employment. Local businesses include shops and garages. However, there are also a number of residential institutions in the area (planning use class C2), catering for retirement, nursing, and asylum needs.

Acts of praise drew the story of the fall of Jericho to mind, with a breaking down of walls connected to the church building, which appeared as a fortress on the street. Here the presence of a number of community orientated projects, such a FireFit and Squash that are invested in promoting local health and wellbeing, provide a challenge for moving, investing and partnering outside of the church building with others seeking the good of the community.