Jericho Walls - FALL

Jun 1

Wall Fall.PNG — “The Jericho Prayer isn’t magical, and God is no genie. We must trust Him so much that we don’t think twice about what He tells us to do. He gave Joshua specific instructions, and Joshua honored God by faithfully executing his commands. May we all be reminded that He is leading us, asking us to obediently follow. There are NO walls strong enough to withstand His command to fall.”
- Jessica Yance

How do you handle difficult decision-making? We may “think” we pray and surrender them to the Father, but do we really? This was the question I was asking myself when a difficult decision was looming over me. I was trying to decide if I should walk away from my favorite occupational therapy job to stay home with my son.

While I knew the desires of my heart could happen, I didn’t believe they would happen. While in my unbelief, a friend told me about a Jericho prayer. Have you heard of it? It comes from the story of the Battle of Jericho in Joshua 6. God instructed Joshua with an unusual strategy for the battle of Jericho by having his army march around the city once a day for 6 days. Priests led and carried the Ark of the Covenant, while the soldiers followed, blowing trumpets. On the 7th day, they circled 7 times and shouted. Jericho's walls miraculously fell down.

The thought of the Jericho Prayer lingered, but I ignored it. One morning, I picked up a book in search of inspiration. When I opened it, two things stood out. First, was a picture of Jesus on a bookmark. Second, a poem about a son. I felt God whispering to me, “This baby will always be your little boy in your heart, but you won’t have these moments again. I am here. Let go of the job you love in order to receive this gift of time at home with your baby. It’s ok.”

I knew I needed to do the Jericho prayer, but how? You physically circle something (in my case a piece of card stock paper with "Jericho" written on it) in prayer. For 6 days, you walk around your Jericho one time each day in silent prayer, asking God to work. On day 7, you circle it 7 times, praying aloud and thanking God for moving.

Day 1.jpeg — With the Holy Spirit’s urging, I began my Jericho. I walked around my objects - the book, Jesus picture, and my Jericho cardstock to symbolize this decision. On Day 1, just two hours after initiating this prayer, He moved.

As I reflect, this process was about my surrender, trusting and following Him, remembering HE is leading me. The Jericho Prayer isn’t magical, and God is no genie. We must trust Him so much that we don’t think twice about what He tells us to do. He gave Joshua specific instructions, and Joshua honored God by faithfully executing his commands. May we all be reminded that He is leading us, asking us to obediently follow. There are NO walls strong enough to withstand His command to fall.

What’s your Jericho?

Jessica Yance

Jessica enjoys sharing God with others through written expression. Journaling and writing have provided opportunities for healing throughout some of her life moments. She has been deeply touched and strongly encouraged by God through other writers.

Jessica loves the book of Matthew, “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

Matthew‬ 6:26-27‬ NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

She says, “God has shown me such unfailing love and reassurance by bringing my attention to this scripture many times and actually providing the birds in my yard for my observance. When I find myself worrying, and catch a glimpse of a bird flying or eating in my backyard feeder, I hear a whisper, ‘Consider the birds, Jess.’”

Jessica is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and enjoys helping children and families overcome life challenges. She resides in Daphne, Alabama and is married to Bill, and is mother to Brooks (2) and dog Amos (3).

Jericho Walls - FALL

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