Pray for the lou 2026

During the season of Lent, Chatham will participate in Pray for the Lou, a regional prayer event with opportunities to join in prayer with other St. Louis area churches and believers.

In light of the recent tornado, this year, Pray for the Lou is again moving back into the city of St. Louis to prayer walk in all 79 city neighborhoods, and we are partnering with LOVEtheLOU, which serves several neighborhoods directly impacted by the storm.

Ahead of prayer walking, PFTL will also gather for prayer and worship in one location in downtown St. Louis over the span of 40 hours from March 12-14. All believers are welcome to attend any part of this gathering.



PRAY FOR THE LOU DAY SCHEDULE - SATURDAY, MARCH 14

PRAYER WALK | 9:45 a.m.-Noon

Location: LOVEtheLOU / theBLOCK, 1421 N. Taylor Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113

This morning, we will prayer walk in the city of St. Louis with the organization LOVEtheLOU, located in the Lewis Place neighborhood, with opportunities to pray in one or more of the neighborhoods they serve.

We'll meet at Chatham this morning, taking the bus or carpooling, and departing at 9:20 a.m.

Please arrive at our send point at 9:45 a.m. to learn more about the area before being sent out in groups to pray.

WORSHIP & PRAYER CELEBRATION  | 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: Cardinal Ritter Football Field, 701 N. Spring Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108

After being scattered to prayer walk, we will gather as one at one location to celebrate all Jesus has done. This celebration will also be a commissioning to send us all back out to our neighborhoods and harvest fields across the region.


Pray for the Lou Day is a rain or shine event, so be sure to dress for the weather. Restrooms will be available at both locations.

For those riding the bus: Be sure to register on Realm and let us know you plan to ride. Feel free to bring any necessities, but we recommend traveling light. You may also wish to fast during this time or bring food with you, as we are not planning to stop for lunch. We plan to depart at 9:20 a.m. and should return to Chatham about 3 p.m.


We are excited to again join with other area churches during this time as we pray for the Lord to move in St. Louis!

How Do We Pray? More on Prayer Walking

As we prayer walk near Chatham and in area neighborhoods, we want to pray "on site with insight." Here are three kinds of insights to consider:


• Researched Insight - Hazelwood is one of the largest cities in the St. Louis area, with a population of around 25,000 residents and 800 business. While businesses appear to be increasing, residency has been somewhat on the decline in recent years, with some increase in poverty and a growing homeless population in local hotels. This affects staff and families in area schools, including Armstrong Elementary and Hazelwood West, with which we partner. Those living and working in Hazelwood will have other personal insights.

• Responsive Insight - What do you see as you walk? Are there people out? What state are the buildings in? How about schools and businesses? What positive things or other ministries are happening here that we can bless? Pray with your eyes open and in response to what you notice. We are not going "door-to-door," but you might pray with someone you meet along the way if appropriate. Watch for God-directed encounters.

• Revealed Insight - How does Jesus see our city and our neighborhood? What does He want to see happen here? Ask Him as you walk, and pray as He leads.


Prayer Walking Guide

You can also download and review this basic prayer guide, encouraging us to pray for discernment and blessing, with empathy, from Scripture and in God's power.


Training Videos
Whether you've prayer walked before or this will be your first experience, these brief videos from Pray for the Lou founder Kurt Wilson provide more helpful considerations before heading out.


The Purpose of Prayer Walking


The Practicals of Prayer Walking


The Prayer of Prayer Walking