One of the most powerful experiences in my life was when I participated in a prayer walk during a spring break mission trip to Panama City, Fla.

What is a prayer walk, you might ask?

Prayer walking is pretty self-explanatory if you are unfamiliar with the term. You basically just walk around a specific area and pray for the people there, either out loud or silently. Prayers usually revolve around the physical protection of people, and the hope that they will find an abundant life through Christ.

There are few things more encouraging than to feel the power of God surround you amidst a group of believers.

This Sunday, people from around Chilton County will gather for prayer walks at all of our public schools. This is a tradition that takes place twice a year, once in the fall as school begins and once in the spring.

Everyone is asked to join in praying for the protection of our students, teachers, faculty members, bus drivers and the countless others who are involved either directly or indirectly with education.

Thinking about this brings an old saying to mind that I have heard all my life: “You’ve got to put legs on your prayers.”

“Legs” means actions that support the requests we voice in prayer. These “legs,” however, do not negate the need for prayer.

There are plenty of things we can do in addition to praying for our students. Parents can take responsibility of knowing what is going on in the lives of their kids and teenagers. Educators can point young people away from destructive decisions and help build self-esteem in them as they build a foundation for their future.

In today’s edition you will find a list of times and dates for Sunday’s prayer walk services. Please do not underestimate the importance of this event.

Note: Scott Mims is the news editor of The Clanton Advertiser. His column appears each Friday.