Jalan Sekolah

Jalan Sekolah translates as School Street. This makes sense as there are schools and the government office for education on this street.

Pray for teachers in Pekanbaru to do their work with excellence.

Pray for students to be diligent in their studies and to make the most of their educational opportunities.

Pray for administrators to have wisdom in managing funds to keep the schools running.

This is the Dinas Pendidikan or the Government Education Office.

Pray for the improvement of government schools in Riau Province.

Pray for government officials to have wisdom to guide programs and initiatives that will help the schools to progress.

With all these crossed electrical wires, it is a good reminder about miscommunication. It is so easy to get your wires crossed when communicating with people.

Pray for clear and healthy communication between spouses, parents with children, siblings, classmates, workers, and neighbors.

This yellow van is part of the public transportation system here in Pekanbaru. People are always in a hurry to get from one place to another.

Pray that people will not be so busy that they miss the important things in life such as strong relationships with family and with God.

Pray that people will avoid running over others in their rush to get to where they want to go.

Indonesians love brightly colored clothes. Pajamas like these are not just for sleep. People often where them out to the market in the early morning or in the early evening.

Pray for people in Pekanbaru to have a positive, bright, and cheery outlook on life.

Pray for people here to put down their worries and enjoy sweet sleep at night.

This mannequin in a store window is a reminder of all the barriers that people put up to separate themselves from others. Religion, culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic level are just a few of those barriers.

Pray for the Lord to bring these barriers down so that people in Pekanbaru are more willing to relate to one another with openness and kindness.

Everyone has habits and behaviors that are destructive. People need power to stop the things in their lives that are destroying them.

Pray for God to give people in Pekanbaru power to stop doing the same old things that are keeping them from realizing their full potential.

Pray against drugs, pornography, gambling, promiscuity, stealing, corruption, hatred, and lying.

These nets are used for fishing. Many people like to spend time by the river with a line in the water. Good character is a like a big fish, it's worth catching.

Pray for the people in Pekanbaru to have solid character that is worth catching.

Pray for character flaws to be released, just like little fish that are too small to do any good.

"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, ESV). 

Pray for the people of Pekanbaru to live in light of God's coming judgment.

Pray for a spiritual awakening in Riau Province.

Jalan Hos Cokroaminoto

One business owner on this street shared with pride how he moved to Pekanbaru seven years ago with nothing and built his business. For every success story like this, there are a dozen stories that didn't quite turn out.

Pray for the Lord to bless the efforts of those who are working hard to make a livelihood for themselves and their families.

Pray for people in Pekanbaru to seek the Lord as diligently has they seek for their daily bread.

This shop sells furniture and fabric.

Pray for the fabric of Pekanbaru to be woven with honesty, integrity, and generosity.

Pray for the homes in Pekanbaru to be furnished with love, faithfulness, and respect for every family member.

These bags come in all shapes and sizes to help people carry their things.

Pray for people in Pekanbaru who are carrying burdens that are too heavy for them to find relief.

Pray for people to cast their burdens onto the Lord and find that He cares for them.

This man works making clothing. A strong seem makes for a durable shirt or pair of pants.

Pray for the seems of community relationships to be durable and strong.

Pray for honesty with kindness to be sewn into relationships in Pekanbaru.

This young man was unpacking stock at a store. It is common here for people to flash the peace sign when posing for a photo.

Pray for the peace of God that passes understanding to guard the hearts and minds of the people of Pekanbaru.

Pray for people to encounter the steadfast love of the Lord and find their hope in Him.

Pray for the people who seek God at this Mosque to find Him.

Pray for the people of Pekanbaru to know the truth and to be set free from the bondage of sin.

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre" (Psalm 92:1-3, ESV).

Pray for unity in Pekanbaru as all the people here praise the Lord together.

Mal SKA

Mal SKA is perhaps the most popular shopping area in Pekanbaru. The intersection in front of this mall is always busy.

Pray that in the hectic pace of life, that people would make time for God and family.

Pray that materialism and greed will not color the thoughts and decisions of people in Pekabaru.

Pray for God to use busy places like this mall to allow people to meet and to improve each other's lives.

Pray for those who are struggling to make ends meet to be industrious, and to find new opportunities for work.

Pray for those who are wealthy to be grateful for what they have, and be generous to those who are in need.

Any time of the day, this intersection is busy.

Pray for motorists going through this intersection to be alert and patient.

In busy areas, such as malls and markets, there are often pickpockets.

Pray for those who steal, to stop stealing and to work hard doing something productive.

This is one of the only pedestrian overpasses in Pekanbaru. There are often pedestrians trying to cross busy streets.

Pray for motorists to be aware of pedestrians and for pedestrians to be aware of motorists.

Pray for people in every walk of life to be aware of God, and to walk in a way that is pleasing to Him.

"Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days" (Psalm 90:14, ESV).

Pray for the people of Pekanbaru to be satisfied with the steadfast love of the Lord.

Pray for them to rejoice all of their days.

Jalan Imam Bonjol

This street has the feel of the main street of a small rural village.

Pray for neighborhoods in Pekanbaru to be closely knit together.

Pray for unity of heart and purpose.

Pray for families to have access to the resources that they need.

Pray for people here to work hard and be honest.

Pray for a spirit of generosity.

The sign above this little side street says that all who enter have a responsibility to smile.

Pray for the people of Pekanbaru to have joy in their hearts and a smile on their faces.

Pray that people will be set free from the vices and sin that cause misery and sadness.

Pray for everyone to have a hunger for God and for truth.

This portable cart is a mini-gas station. People  buy gas from the  main gas station and sell at a slight mark up. People use this as a convenience. Some stalls like this add things to increase their profit, but the result is to ruin the engines of the people who buy their gasoline.

Pray for honesty in business.

Pray for people here to look out for the interests of their neighbors and not just for themselves.

This is a community TV. It is available to anyone in the neighborhood who wants to watch it. This is something you more often see in small villages.

Pray for communities to work together and play together.

Pray for strong community relationships.

This flexible piping was being used in a road project. It is likely being used to expand internet services to this area.

Pray that men in Pekanbaru will avoid the temptations of pornography that come with internet access.

Pray for youth to avoid this pitfall and keep their hearts pure.

The spiral staircase reminds me of the common belief that good works can pay for sins. It's like climbing the stairs - step by step you rise above where you were.

Pray for people in Pekanbaru to realize that good works are not sufficient to be right with God.

Pray for true, humble repentance for sin and a seeking after the Lord.

"May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions! Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:4-7, ESV). 

Pray for the people of Pekanbaru to trust in nothing other than the name of the LORD.

RTH Tunjuk Ajar Integritas

This park is clean and well laid out. It is a wonderful place for families to come, exercise, and play together.

Pray for strong families in Pekanbaru.

Pray for people to make time to invest in relationships with their spouses and children.

Pray for this park to be a place that is positive and strengthening to families.

Pray that criminal elements will not ruin this family spot.

These riding toys are available for rent at the park.

Pray for children to laugh, grow, play, and make friends at this park.

Pray for special days to be celebrated.

Pray for parents to have wisdom to guide their children to become mature, well adjusted adults.

The public announcement sign asks people to stop physical and sexual abuse of children.

Pray that those in abusive situations will find places of safety.

Pray for those who are abusing their spouse or children to repent and seek help.

Pray for counselors, spiritual leaders, and family members to have wisdom to provide guidance to those who need help.

This outdoor theater is a perfect place for concerts and performances.

Pray for the development of the arts in Pekanbaru.

Pray for this facility to bring the community together and develop a sense of unity and mutual commitment to one another.

Pray for city officials to have wisdom to make the most of this park to build community.

These young men were looking for work. They are not able to go directly to High School and then college without earning money first.

Pray for the development of work programs for youth wanting to gain educational opportunities.

Pray for youth to find good opportunities to work and not to fall in with criminal enterprises.

There are police posts throughout the city. One is across the street from the park.

Pray for wisdom and diligence for police officers as they go about their duties.

Pray for protection for police officers as they confront people who are breaking laws.

Pray for the rehabilitation of those who commit crimes.

Sanitation workers are unsung heroes of every city. While Pekanbaru has many challenges in this area, people, like these women, are working hard to keep the city clean.

Pray for sanitation workers in Pekanbaru.

Pray for their safety on the roads as they work.

Pray against injuries as they clean up materials that are often sharp and dirty.

One of the park signs ask that people not pick the flowers.

Pray for people to value and care for public spaces so that they stay nice for everyone's enjoyment.

Pray against people who would use spaces like parks to sell drugs.

Pray against those seeking to introduce drugs into Pekanbaru.

"For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me" (Psalm 86:5-7, ESV).

Pray for the peoples of Pekanbaru to seek the steadfast love of God.

Pray for them to experience God's forgiveness.

Pray for Pekanbaru to be filled with people who regularly seek after God with all their hearts.

Jalan Ahmad Yani

This road runs through the heart of Pekanbaru. This particular area is dominated by Minangkabau or Padang business owners.

Pray for the Padang community in Pekanbaru to prosper spiritually as well as financially.

Pray for unity in Pekanbaru for all the people groups to live in harmony with one another.

Pray for the government of Pekanbaru as they seek to maintain and improve the downtown area.

This is a meeting area that is traditional Riau Malay. While the Riau Malay are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Province, they are not as numerous in the city.

Pray for the Riau Malay to prosper spiritually and financially.

Pray for strong families in Riau Province.

Motorcycles are the main mode of transportation for the average person in Pekanbaru. Cars are too expensive.

Pray for motorcyclists to wear helmets and to obey the traffic rules.

Pray for people to not overload their vehicles. It is common to see motorcycles carrying more than you'd think is possible considering the laws of physics.

This truck is delivering bottled water to a convenience store. Almost all people in Pekanbaru buy bottled water, because the quality of water here is poor.

Pray for people to filter their thoughts and activities, just as they filter their water.

Pray for people to be pure before God and before one another.

Many motorists get impatient at traffic lights and run red lights. This usually works out as motorists are cautious when going through an intersection because of people running the light.

Pray for people to follow the rules of the road for the safety of everyone.

Pray for medical professionals to have skill as they patch people up after traffic accidents.

This store does metal work. Such stores are proud of the work they do to provide Mosques with minarets.

Pray that these symbols of God will remind people to seek after God in both deed and truth.

Pray for religious teachers and leaders to be shining examples of godly living.

The electrical wiring in Pekanbaru is often patchwork. There don't seem to be any codes of electrical safety.

Pray for families in Pekanbaru to be protected from electrical accidents and fires.

Pray for fire fighters in Pekanbaru to be skillful, brave, and to be protected from harm as they serve the community in hazardous circumstances.

This house is right off a main street. It likely preexisted the busy road. This is another example of Pekanbaru being more of a series of villages, rather than being an urban area.

Pray for people balancing a rural culture with a growing urban setting. The values of rural versus urban culture are often in conflict.

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5, ESV).

Pray for the peoples of Pekanbaru to be given a deep desire to obey this scripture verse.

Pray for spiritual transformation in Pekanbaru.

Jalan Nangka

Jalan Nangka is one of the four major roads in the downtown area of Pekanbaru. There are dozens of neighborhoods off this main street. The pictures for this prayerwalk are in one of those neighborhoods.

Pray for strong neighborhoods in Pekanbaru. In many ways Pekanbaru is more like a series of villages rather than one big city.

Pray for neighbors to take the time to know each other and help each other out. There is a proverb here that says, "Better a neighbor who is close, than family that is far away."

This neighborhood was predominately Chinese. The black and white ying and yang symbol is prominent in Buddhist thought. This symbol reminds us that there is both good and bad in everything. Even in our best goodness there is a dot of darkness. Even in our worst badness there is a dot of light.

Pray for the people of Pekanbaru to deal honestly with the balance of light and darkness that are in each and every heart.


The dog collars and leashes show that this home has dogs. Pet dogs are not common here because dogs are not popular in Muslim culture. Many people who own dogs, do so for security reasons to keep thieves out of their homes.

Pray that those who steal, would steal no longer.

Pray that those who need work, would be able to find honest work.

It is not uncommon to find broken glass and construction materials laying around. This highlights the lack of sanitation infrastructure in the city. This problem can sometimes result in children getting hurt as they sometimes play with the items they find on the street.

Pray for children to be given wisdom to not play with things that are dangerous.

Pray for home owners to do a better job at disposing dangerous garbage.

This office's purpose is to promote Buddhism in Pekanbaru.

Pray for Buddhists to seek and find truth and enlightenment that will help them live a good and productive life.

Pray for Buddhists to find the way of exiting from desire and sin to live with harmony and kindness with every other living thing.





At night, this neighborhood is a bit of a party scene. Unfortunately, prostitution is a common part of the party scene here.

Pray for those who seek out the company of prostitutes would feel the conviction of sin.

Pray for those working in prostitution to have better opportunities to lead a better life.

Pray for conviction of sexual sin in Pekanbaru leading to purity and faithfulness.

The high rise building with the crane on top is on Jalan Nangka. This field is often marshy, as the city of Pekanbaru was built on marshy land.

Pray for buildings in Pekanbaru to be built with skill on stable ground.

Pray for health and safety against mosquito borne illnesses.

"I went down to the nut orchard to look at the blossoms of the valley, to see whether the vines had budded, whether the pomegranates were in bloom" Song of Solomon 6:11, ESV.

Pray for many good things to grow and blossom in Pekanbaru.

Pray for marriages to be strong and stable.