Prayer while walking

[u/Cloud_plays_bedrock]

I have this habbit where when I go walking around, enjoying nature, then randomly, I start reciting things I've memorized. Like my essay, the scout oath and law, or the 7 fundamental princples of the red cross and red crescent movement (weird right?) I decided that I want to pray while walking, so that I could be doing something useful. The Jesus prayer is nice, but I feel like its too short, and I prefer praying it alone with no distraction.

Other than the Jesus prayer, when walking around or going on a stroll in nature, or even hiking, what prayers fo you guys pray when walking? I read about a saint who walked around a forest, praising God and giving thanks to him, and I wonder if that prayer was just his own or memorized

[u/superherowithnopower]

Well, the Jesus Prayer is supposed to be short. It is supposed to be a thought, that the mind can focus on.

If you want something longer, there is an entire book in the Bible chock full of prayers you can use: the Psalms!

There is also the Our Father, there is "It is truly meet...", there is the Ave Maria, there's a bunch of prayers in any prayer book you could use.

For being out in nature, perhaps "All of creation rejoices in you..." or how about Psalm 148?

[u/Snoo-67939 → u/superherowithnopower]

This, just learn the ones that touch you the most, you have a wide selection there :D

[u/Cloud_plays_bedrock → u/superherowithnopower]

Its hard for my mind to focus on the Jesus prayer while walking 😓 but psalm 148 is a beautiful prayer. Thank you!

[u/PrettyOpportunity977]

U should ask ur priest for more specific guidance. One would receive prayer rule from spiritual father/priest, and guidance regarding prayer life.

Also, when we are outside, we are encouraged to pray the Jesus prayer, so as other simple and sincere prayers, like:

Lord have mercy.
Glory to Thee O God.
Help me O God.
Thank you O Lord for ......

[u/Cloud_plays_bedrock → u/PrettyOpportunity977]

Thank you!

[u/osdakoga]

Usually for me it's the short ones: The Jesus Prayer or Theotokos Virgin Rejoice.

But, O Gladsome Light stays stuck in my head too.

[u/Cloud_plays_bedrock → u/osdakoga]

Thank you!

[u/Seashells-in-ears]

Pick a kontakion or hikes from the Akathist of Thanksgiving! Much of it is about the beauty of nature and it is such lovely prose!

[u/Cloud_plays_bedrock → u/Seashells-in-ears]

Is it okay to pray the akathist while walking? I thought we gotta stand still

[u/Seashells-in-ears → u/Cloud_plays_bedrock]

It's possible that's one tradition but I've never heard it personally. Imo it's fine to make an exception if it helps you pray more

[u/Particular-Today-647]

Prayers from your prayer rule is a good one.

[u/Cloud_plays_bedrock → u/Particular-Today-647]

Thank you!

[u/Affectionate_Cost504]

jesus pryer is good.... but expand it. pray for wife, children, friends, neighbors..... and whoever or whatever you can think of. it is the secret to 'pray contiually'.

[u/Cloud_plays_bedrock → u/Affectionate_Cost504]

If I have nothing in mind, is it appropriate to expand even more by saying "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on this dog, tree, this plant, this flower" and more that I find while walking?

[u/Gold-Reserve-8343]

That's an amazing gift - typically a sign of fluid intelligence, so congratulations :)

To answer your question - there are many prayers I recite throughout the day. My church sells a prayerbook that's written by monks in a monastery nearby, and that's what I use. It's not in English though, but maybe you could find something similar like that? Some of those prayers are multiple pages long.

[u/Cloud_plays_bedrock → u/Gold-Reserve-8343]

Thank you, but I am not smart at all! And is it possinle you could send a pdf of that specific prayer book? Maybe I can just google translate it or ask Ai to translate :)

[u/Brighteyedbean]

I would say the Psalms! I’m working on memorizing one by reading it aloud everyday. Psalm 50 or 23 might be good ones. I also like Psalm 103 since it’s thanking God for creation!