What is a Prayer Journey?

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, serving as both a conversation and an encounter with God. NextSteps, a digital tool developed by the Jesus Film Project, offers a unique opportunity to create and share prayer journeys that can connect with diverse audiences across various social settings. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a prayer journey using the NextSteps platform, highlighting its potential to break down barriers and invite individuals to experience the love and grace of Christ.

Understanding the Power of Prayer Journeys

A prayer journey is a structured approach to prayer that guides individuals or groups through a series of prayerful reflections and interactions. It offers several benefits:

1. Transcends Barriers: The act of offering to pray for someone can break down social, cultural, and spiritual barriers.
2. Creates Connection: It invites individuals to experience God's love and grace in a personal way.
3. Offers Hope and Support: As Christians, we have the unique opportunity to provide hope and support through prayer.
4. Fosters Value: Prayer journeys create a space where people feel valued and heard.

Getting Started with NextSteps

To begin creating your prayer journey, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your NextSteps account at https://admin.nextstep.is/.
2. Navigate to the NextSteps dashboard.

Accessing the Template Library

NextSteps offers a library of templates to help you get started quickly (https://admin.nextstep.is/templates). There are two ways to access the Template Library:

Method 1: Dashboard Button

1. On the dashboard, locate the "See all templates" button in the lower right corner of the screen.
2. Click this button to open the Template Library.

Method 2: Side Menu

1. Look for the side menu on your dashboard.
2. Click on "Templates" in the menu options.

Choosing a Prayer Journey Template

Once in the Template Library:

1. Browse through the available templates.
2. Look for templates specifically designed for prayer journeys or those that can be easily adapted for this purpose.
3. Click on a template that aligns with your vision for the prayer journey.

Modifying the Template

After selecting a template:

1. Click on the template to open it in the NextSteps journey builder.
2. Review each card in the journey.
3. Customize the content to fit your specific prayer journey theme and goals.
4. Add, remove, or rearrange cards as needed to create a cohesive flow.

Best Practices for Creating Effective Prayer Journeys

1. Clear Structure: Provide a clear beginning, middle, and end to your prayer journey.
2. Engaging Content: Use a mix of text, images, and possibly video to keep users engaged.
3. Interactive Elements: Include opportunities for users to input their own prayer requests or reflections.
4. Scriptural Foundation: Incorporate relevant Bible verses to support the prayer themes.
5. Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure your content is respectful and inclusive of diverse audiences.
6. Guidance: Offer clear instructions on how to navigate through the prayer journey.

Sharing Your Prayer Journey

Once your prayer journey is complete:

1. Use the sharing options provided by NextSteps to distribute your journey.
2. Consider creating a QR code for easy access in physical settings.
3. Share the journey link on social media or through your ministry's communication channels.

By creating a prayer journey with NextSteps, you're opening doors for meaningful spiritual connections and providing a powerful tool for ministry. Remember, the goal is to create a space where individuals can encounter God's love and grace through the power of prayer.For more detailed information on using NextSteps and its features, visit the NextSteps Support Page at https://support.nextstep.is/. Additionally, explore the Jesus Film Project Tools and resources at https://www.jesusfilm.org/resources for more resources to enhance your digital ministry efforts.