“Pray to your Father who is in the secret place, and your Father who sees you in secret will reward you openly” Matthew 6:6
In most every garden I have taken care of in my life I found a place where I could go to pray during my breaks. They were always in a quiet, out of the way area, where I could reliably find about fifteen minutes of undisturbed time. Often, I would just choose a spot and and then add a chair or small bench. It was somewhat important that these places be more comfortable in the cold of winter, or in the heat of summer. I found that nearly every garden has at least a place or two that are perfect for prayer. The main thing was to find a place that was condusive for spending some uninterupted time talking to God.
In one garden I recall, there was a well placed bench out in the back of the garden. It was found at the end of a path that looked out above the entire property, as well as the town beyond. Large trees surrounded and protected the bench from winds and provided nice shade in the summer and they also allowed sun to warm me on those cold winter mornings. Here there was often the fragrance of flowers in the air and the sounds of birds singing in the trees and down in the garden below. Even the subtle soundtrack of the city noise in the distance provided a valuable context for prayer. Most spots, of course, were not as idyllic as this one, but they each provided me an important place to conect with God each day.
There is truly no other way like prayer to draw near to God. When we step away from distraction and begin to talk and connect with our God truly amazing things can come about. Jesus himself told us to withdraw to our secret place and pray frequently. It is perhaps even more true in these days that we take time to do this most important activity. Think about how many times Christ withdrew from His busy schedule of teaching, healing, and dealing with all kinds of people each day. I’m sure He must have prayed to His Father every day, many times. I’m guessing some of us could do better that were currently doing. I know I could. From experience, I remember how my life has been transformed during the times and seasons when I made prayer a focus. Our lives are busy and full of things that occupy our attention, but we must set aside these things as best we can, and focus our attention upon the things that truly matter in our life within the Kingdom of God.
For some of you it may be a real challenge to find a place and time that is free from distraction and responsibility. But if you set your mind upon it, God will show you a way. Explore the possibilities you have before the day gets really started. How about fifteen minutes, a quiet room, a cup of coffee, and a Bible verse to get you started. Or, maybe you are as lucky as I was at work and you can find a quiet place at break or lunch. In truth, I have probably prayed the most in my car or truck when I had some time to spend with God wherever I was. God will provide a place, if you look for one. Perhaps there is a well placed bench somewhere near you. Or you might be able to place one in your very own garden.
The most important thing to remember is that we have been instructed by God to make persistant effective prayer towards Him a priority in our lives. When we do, we will begin to see our faith life grow closer in His presence, which is filled with His Spirit, love, grace, wisdom and power.; and there, He will begin to transform our lives in many new and life filling ways.