Prayer Pilgrimages

“Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred, and from thy fahter’s house, to a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1).

“Your principals, O Lord, have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage” (Psalm 119:54).

Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many Christians. Christians see life itself as a journey, coming from God and returning to God. The pilgrim seeks to separate himself from the everyday concerns of the world, and to spend time in the presence of God as he travels to a place of special meaning. A pilgrimage is a symbol that is acted out.

Back in the Middle Ages pilgrimages were very popular. Pilgrimage was long and very dangerous - not at all like a holiday! It may have taken many years. The pilgrims would usually travel in groups, and stay in monasteries or inns overnight.

People went on pilgrimage for many reasons - perhaps to say sorry to God for something they had done wrong (penance), or because they were ill and wanted God to heal them.

How do people decide where to go on pilgrimage? Over the years, places have become special for different reasons, and Christians decide to visit them to become closer to God in these special places.

Like a Prayer Walk, Prayer Pilgrimages use intentional prayer and journey.

A Prayer Pilgrimage may be self-directed and part of a vacation, or may be intentionally part of how a person or a group feels called to participate in God’s mission in the world.

A Prayer Pilgrimage may be a trip through which individuals or groups become reconnected with their Christian tradition (such as Presbyterians visiting Iona, Scotland), or become connected with other Christians or faiths in order to understand better what God is doing and desires.

Below are some links to help you formulate or join other on a prayer pilgrimage:

 

Mission Service Recruitment (PCUSA)

National Mission Volunteer (PCUSA)

Mission Trips

Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Justice & Compassion Ministry Team

Office of Spiritual Formation (PCUSA)

Places of Christian Pilgrimage