Student Uses His Love of Prayer to Unite Others

In 2017, Liberty University student and religious studies major Kyle Blackwood started setting aside time to take daily walks around campus and pray out loud.

A year later, Blackwood’s walks grew into a GroupMe chat called “The Prayer Custodians,” which now has over 70 members. Blackwood said that anyone is welcome to join the chat, which is used as an open place for prayer requests, praises and to communicate time and location for prayer walks.

“I am convinced that it is not about the number of people praying or the amount of time we spend praying,” Blackwood said. “It is about the heart of those who pray, and the Lord working around us and his presence being with us that really makes the difference in the world around us.”

Blackwood says he takes prayer walks daily but has the most participants on Wednesdays. Oftentimes people will randomly join in on the walks or stop and take a moment to pray with the group.

These walks take place all around campus. On the weekends the group usually focuses on praying over the East and North campus, and during the week the group prays over Montview, the Jerry Falwell Library and the Freedom Tower. 

The most popular meeting time among participants is on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Montview steps. Other meetings occur at the same place Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m. and then again at 6:30 p.m.

The prayer walks involve meeting up at a designated starting point, reading a passage of Scripture, then walking wherever the group feels led and praying over that specific area and its bystanders.

“If a prayer for healing is needed then we ask the Lord if he would heal them,” Blackwood said. “If they are going through a tough time and just want prayer, we just ask the Lord for his blessing over them and for his help and guidance for them in this time.”

Blackwood says the prayer walks typically last 30 minutes to an hour, but depending on how the Lord is moving in each individual participating, the events may last longer. There is no time limit.

When asked how he spreads awareness about his group, Blackwood said he keeps his head up and seeks the Lord’s guidance. 

“It’s not about the people,” he said. “But about the heart and how God is working.”

Addi Tarr is a News Reporter. Follow her on Twitter at @addi_tarr.