Leawood Prayer Walk
Prayer Walk Introduction
This Holy Space
As you enter the Resurrection Prayer Walk, step away from the demands and distractions of life and spend time connecting with God through listening, prayer and reflection. The path is about one third of a mile, or the same distance as the Via Dolorosa—the path Jesus walked from Pilate’s court to the cross. The scripture, natural surroundings and art encountered at each station follow the mission and ministry of Christ.
There is no right or wrong way to journey this path of prayer. You may choose to spend time in silent reflection, meditate on the scriptures posted at the stations, express the prayers of your own heart either silently or spoken, or follow the reflections and prayers in this guide.
Regardless of what you decide, we believe you will encounter God’s presence as you spend time in prayer and contemplation in this holy space.
In addition to the natural beauty of the Kansas prairie, three original art pieces are installed at stations in the prayer walk. Resurrection worked collaboratively with Leopold Gallery to commission artists whose work comes alive and takes on added significance in this Holy Space.
Established in 1991, Leopold is a nationally-ranked gallery as well as a professional art consulting and design firm located in the Brookside area of Kansas City. Leopold’s mission is to help build regional culture. Whether assisting beginning collectors, or consulting on massive projects like Saint Luke’s Hospital and Kauffman Stadium, they strive to exceed expectations. Leopold carries and creates world-class art in a variety of styles and media, always ensuring that works of the highest professional standard result.
Station 1: Living Water
Jesus was baptized. While he was praying, heaven opened up and the Holy Spirit descended upon him (Luke 3:21-22).
Jesus’ ministry begins at his baptism, which is represented by this fountain. At Christ’s baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon him and Jesus moves from this point to spend his life in ministry to the world—showing us all how God would have us live our lives.
Scripture
[Jesus said] “All who believe in me should drink!” As the scriptures said concerning me, “Rivers of living water will flow out from within him.” (John 7:38)
Reflection
What areas of your life are thirsty for a new beginning or renewal?
Prayer
Lift these areas up to God in prayer, honestly acknowledging your challenges.
Station 2: Wilderness
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. Matthew 4:1
After his baptism, Jesus endured a time of testing, temptation and discernment in the barren wilderness, which is represented by this single, sparse cypress tree.
Scripture
He’s able to help those who are being tempted, since he himself experienced suffering when he was tempted. Hebrews 2:18
Reflection
What temptations are you facing? Do you feel as though you are currently facing a barren wilderness?
Prayer
Pray for God’s strength where you feel weak.
Station 3: Direction
Jesus went up on a mountain and began to teach them… Matthew 5:1-2
On a grassy slope overlooking the Sea of Galilee (illustrated by this mural), Jesus directed his followers to a life worth living.
Scripture
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10
Reflection
Where do Jesus’ teachings challenge you? To what sort of transformation do you think God might be calling you?
Prayer
Ask God to grow in you the character and attitudes Jesus said are “blessed.” Life is a bit repetitive here.
About the Art
Glazed Ceramic Tile
Artists: Phil Epp and Terry Corbett
Commissioned Artwork by Leopold Gallery
Phil Epp has a sense that part of his task as an artist is to carry on the values of the land. Hailing from a family of farmers, he grew up in Nebraska. His family treasured the land, as he does. His clear affection for his subject matter radiates in his soothing artwork.
Station 4: Follow Me
Narrow is the road that leads to life. Matthew 7:14
“Do not be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.” John 14:1
Jesus called all different types of people to lay aside their lives’ plans and follow him. This bridge represents the challenging path that we often discover when we commit to following Jesus.
Scripture
Narrow is the road that leads to life. Matthew 7:14
Reflection
In what ways has your commitment to follow Jesus required you to change paths? As you seek to follow Christ today, are there any sacrifices you’re being called to make?
Prayer
Be honest with God in prayer about the things you are hesitant to change in your life and why. Now ask God to give you the courage and faith to make the sacrifices that fully following Jesus requires.
Station 5: Mission
“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 17:18
In Jesus’ ministry, he spent time with all types of people, from all different walks of life and invited them all to be a part of God’s story—stressing that all are welcome in God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God, like this tile mosaic, is beautiful because of its inclusive diversity.
Scripture
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:36-39
Reflection
How are you doing with loving God (choosing God’s purposes and God’s interests) above all else? How are you doing with loving others (choosing their best interests over your own selfish interest), particularly the others you disagree with? How are you doing with loving yourself (seeing yourself as God does: forgiven and unconditionally loved), rather than beating yourself up for past mistakes you can’t change?
Prayer
Ask God to help you live daily the great commandment: loving God with everything you have and loving others—all others, regardless of who or what they are—while you truly seek to love yourself—seeing the person in the mirror through the eyes of God’s eternal love for you.
About the Art
Glazed Ceramic Tile
Artists: William Rose
Commissioned Artwork by Leopold Gallery
William Rose is a figurative/portrait artist who mainly works in oil, and has a national following. His clients include Texas A&M, the Kansas City Royals, Clint Eastwood, the Archer Foundation, and H&R Block. He has private collectors nationwide. In 2016 William created the renowned mural Forever Royal celebrating the Kansas City Royals’ 2015 World Series title.
Station 6: Pray
Jesus withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22: 41-42
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed before he was betrayed. This stone kneeler reminds us of this agonizing experience in Christ’s life.
Scripture
Being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:44
Reflection
Where are your places of pain and anguish? Do you ever feel distress over the pain and anguish of others? Are you in either of those places today?
Prayer
Name your heartache to God. Bring to the Lord your deepest disappointment and pain knowing that he, too has walked in that place. He understands and he will walk you through every Gethsemane.
Station 7: Crucified
Crying out in a loud voice, Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I entrust my life.” After saying this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46
The crowd and religious establishment demanded Jesus be crucified. He was harassed, beaten and mocked as he carried the Roman cross to Golgotha where he was nailed upon it. God’s redemption of pain, suffering and death that occurred in Christ’s crucifixion is represented by this path.
Scripture
Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34
Reflection
What do you see in the cross? Ponder the depth of Christ’s love for you and the world exhibited in the cross. In what ways are you in need of forgiveness?
Prayer
Thank God for the grace, forgiveness and redemption he brings you—and all of humanity—in the Cross.
Station 8: Resurrection
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to pay homage at Jesus’ tomb only to find that he wasn’t there; He had risen. The wind that moves these wind sculptures reminds us of the invisible power and presence of God’s Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. That same power and presence of God raises and brings new life to our deadened hearts and lives both here and now and eternally.
Scripture
“Because I live you shall live also.” John 14:19
Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
Reflection
Easter’s promise is that the worst thing is never the last thing. Where in your past, present and future does that truth offer you hope?
Prayer
Ask God to bring life and resurrection to any of the dead places in your life. Thank God that your worst moments have been overcome by his resurrected life and even your death (or the death of those you love) is enveloped by his eternal presence and life.
About the Art
Kinetic Artwork
Artist: Lyman Whitaker
Art Consultant: Leopold Gallery
Internationally renowned sculptor Lyman Whitaker is widely respected for his sophisticated Wind Sculptures. Lyman dedicates his work to the wind and weather. He hopes above all that his sculptures will inspire love for our earth’s thin, moving layer of air – it warms us, gives us breath, sustains our being.
