Passport to Prayer FAQ

Why should I travel halfway around the world to pray – can’t I just pray here?
Our lives are permanently stamped with the things we experience. Because of that, many church leaders and missiologists believe that one of the best ways to increase prayer for the worldwide cause of Christ is to involve people in a different kind of prayer meeting. Not one with eyes closed and heads bowed in someone’s home or church, but one where people talk with God about the amazing culture and precious people that surround them. At the very least, involvement in a cross-cultural prayer journey will inform and excite your prayer life concerning the places you have been. It will likely also change your worldview and open the door of your mind to the worldwide Kingdom of God.

How is prayer a legitimate ministry?
Because of the lack of emphasis on prayer in our culture, many people think of prayer as a short sentence to say before a meal or at the end of a church service. It is communication directed at God. The biblical view of prayer is far more powerful and intimate. Prayer is communion with God—listening, hearing, and responding. Few things we do can have more potential impact on the Kingdom of God in Europe than bringing requests before God. If we truly believe that prayer is intimate conversation with God, the One who breathed the universe into existence, what more practical ministry can there be than to commune with Him?

What kinds of things will I do on a prayer journey?
While each Passport to Prayer journey is unique, some elements are common to all of them. You will:
• Take daily prayer-walks to strategic places in the country or city you are visiting.
• Spend time with missionaries and national church leaders learning about the culture and people.
• Learn some of the local language.
• Spend time worshipping, studying God’s Word, and reflecting personally.
• Be involved in some hands-on ministry with nationals such as caring for the poor, distributing Christian literature, or doing service projects.
• Spend a little free time exploring the sites and sounds of the area.

What is prayer-walking?
Greater Europe Mission has adopted the following definition from Prayer Journeys – A Leader’s How-To Manual:
“Prayer-walking has been described as ‘Praying On-Site with Insight.’ When you prayer-walk, you pray where you expect God to answer your prayers. You are praying on-site. Prayer-walking also means praying with insight:
• In response to what you see.
• Relative to what you know or have researched about your cities and people groups.
• And sensitive to what God reveals to you through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

Is a prayer-walk physically challenging?
It can be. In general, European cities are known for their cobblestone streets and winding alleyways. Be sure to consult with Greater Europe Mission concerning the details of the trip in which you are interested. In most cases, these prayer journeys would not be recommended for individuals who have physical disabilities because of the lack of accessibility in much of Europe.

I can only speak English. Can God use me in Europe?
Speaking the native language is always a benefit, but in most places in Europe, particularly the cities, local people know some English. Throughout your trip, you will be accompanied by missionaries and nationals who can translate. In addition, a smile, warm greeting, or act of kindness translates into every language.

Is this going to involve a lot of spiritual warfare? That kind of scares me.
Spiritual darkness is a reality in Europe, and you will feel the oppression as you walk through empty cathedrals and along the streets of a continent that has all but forgotten the love of Jesus. The vast majority of Europeans are spiritually blinded, and the goal of prayer-walking is to intercede on their behalf. However, Greater Europe Mission’s primary goal is to invite the love of God into the land and see God expand his Kingdom there, not to drive the evil one out – As God’s presence grows, the darkness will recede.

Do we pray for 24 hours straight?
No. The prayer-walk section of each day will generally happen in the afternoon and will range from three to five hours. In most cases, you will not be on your feet all that time, and the prayer is more of an ongoing conversation between you and God about what you’re seeing, rather than one long, staged prayer. There will also be other times of prayer throughout the day, both corporately and individually.

Will I be safe?
While Greater Europe Mission cannot guarantee your safety, Europe is generally a safe place to visit. The missionaries and nationals who will accompany you know the lay of the land well, and will help you avoid any areas where your safety may be in jeopardy. As is the case in many cities throughout the world, pickpockets and petty thieves do prowl the streets, and taking appropriate measures to guard your valuables is highly advised. Investing in a travel wallet, passport pouch, and, for women, a purse that is theft-resistant is a good idea. You can find many of these at the following online stores.
www.ebags.com
www.baggalinni.com

What do I need to bring?
Each journey is unique, but we recommend the following for all journeys:
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layers of clothing that are appropriate for the climate to which you are going
• Travel umbrella
• Hat or head covering
• Bible and prayer journal
• Passport
• Toiletries and personal effects

Additional considerations
• Camera
• Snacks that you would miss if you did not have them
• Extra supply of any medicines that you may need

Who can go?
Greater Europe Mission Passport to Prayer journeys are designed for people college-age and older who desire to participate directly in God’s work in a cross-cultural setting. The journeys were created to be both educational and spiritually intense, so come expecting to be challenged in your walk with the Lord.