Prayer in the Outdoors
Go into your Garden, the Country or the Wilderness For Reflection
You can pray anywhere, but going into the outdoors provides a wonderful atmosphere for reflecting on life, talking with God, and finding peace for your anxieties.
Sometimes it’s difficult to pray in the midst of a busy life. Going into the outdoors will take you away from your usual responsibilities, bring you closer to God’s creation, and allow you time to concentrate on prayer.
There is something about being amongst nature that makes it more natural to think about spiritual things. The colours of nature with its changing seasons, the fresh air, and the sights and sounds all help you to come closer to God in prayer.
You may have a spot in your own garden where you can enjoy peace and quiet. Or you might like to go to a park, walk along a country road, or escape to a beach. Whether you choose the mountainside or city park, it’s important to find a place where you can feel distanced from your usual stresses.
Places to Experience Prayer in the Outdoors: -
- Walking on a wilderness track.
- A seat in a park or overlooking a view.
- A park in another part of town.
- A special place in your own garden.
- Near the sea or a river.
Outdoor Prayer
When you have walked a while, breathed in the fresh air, and allowed time to distance yourself from your everyday routines, draw near to God in prayer. You might like to continue walking, or you might like to find a place to sit quietly.
Now, in the quietness of your heart, tell God all the things that are on your mind. Tell God of your worries, your fears, your hopes and your dreams. Take in your surroundings, and imagine God is there with you, smiling at you with love, and taking your burdens onto his shoulders.
Let the load fall from your shoulders and feel God’s peace enter your life. Enjoy the peace, and when you are ready, continue on your journey.
As you leave your time of prayer ask yourself whether there is a thought or insight you want to take away with you, or an action you need to take.
Reading a Passage from the Bible Can be Helpful During your Time of Prayer.
Choose one of the following:-
When you go Through Trials you are not Alone
When you pass through deep waters,
I will be with you;
your troubles will not overwhelm you.
When you pass through fire, you will not be burnt;
The hard trials that come will not hurt you.
For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel,
... I will give up whole nations to save your life
because you are precious to me
and because I love you and give you honour.
Do not be afraid - I am with you. (Isaiah 43 Good News Bible)
Promise of God’s Help
I look to the mountains;
Where will my help come from?
My help will come from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121 Good News Bible)
Have No Anxiety
Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7 Good News Bible).
