Last week I wrote about our visit to the Nicholaston House, a local Christian retreat center. As part of our visit there, I did a guided prayer walk through their garden. It was a meaningful time of reflection and contemplation for me.
I share it with you now so that perhaps you can take this idea of a prayer walk and complete it somewhere in your part of the world - your own garden, neighborhood or community. I've changed the prayer walk slightly to be a little more generic so you can use it in any garden, park, or outdoor area, and I changed the God language to be inclusive.
1. "Now the Lord God planted a garden... and made all kinds of trees grow." Genesis 2:8-9
Meditation: Praise the Creator God - Maker of Heaven and Earth. God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds."
Senses: Seeing and hearing. Look over the garden, trees, and beyond.
2. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:9
Meditation: Listen, still your heart before the Lord and, like Samuel, say "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." Listen to the wind/breeze and grasses, flowers, and other plants rustling in the wind. Is God telling you something here?
Senses: Hearing.
3. "They are a fragrant offering, and acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Philippians 4:18
Meditation: Ask the Lord to show you areas of your life that are not 'sweet smelling.' Make confession and then ask for God's forgiveness. Now ask the Lord to show you areas of your life that are 'sweet smelling' and ask God to strengthen them and thank God. Let your praise be an incense.
Senses: Smelling.
4. "I am my beloved and he is mine; he browses among the lilies." Song of Solomon 6:3
Meditation: See with understanding that you are God's precious child. Receive God's love. Observe things in detail. Look at the birds, insects, wildlife, flowers, and the general biodiversity that exists.
Senses: Seeing.
5. "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Matthew 9:21
Meditation: Open yourself to God's touch, whether for your body, mind or spirit. Receive from God.
Senses: Touch. Feel the various leaves in this area - sharp, waxy, soft and spiky.
6. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Isaiah 55:2
Meditation: Where are you on your spiritual journey? Are you dry and thirsty? Are you feeding your soul? O taste and see that the Lord is good! Trust in God and be encouraged as you seek more of God. Taste and smell the fresh lemon mint (or whatever is in front of you) and allow the Holy Spirit to infuse your mind and body.
Senses: Taste. Many plants in this herb garden can be tasted.
7. "Restoration. You will be called repairer of walls." Isaiah 58:12
Meditation: Just as the stones in this wall have been restored, the Lord is the God of restoration. Think about the restoration in your life. Also, is God calling you to be a 'repairer of walls' on other people's lives and relationships?
Senses: Seeing.
8. "For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow." Isaiah 61:11
Meditation: God is the God of newness and renewal. See where God has renewed you and brought newness, and give thanks. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. Jesus reminds us that the smallest of seeds can grow into trees. We live in a broken world and we can bring shelter to the needy.
Senses: Smell, touch and seeing. (Pick a sprig of lavender or something else available).
9. "Praise the Lord from the earth, small creatures and flying birds." Psalm 148:7-12
Meditation: God is our provider. God cares for the sparrows, and how much more precious are we? Thank God for providing even if currently you are struggling to see it. Ask God to meet you in creation and look for signs of God's personality and presence in the things God has made.
Senses: Hearing and seeing. Listen and see the birds feeding.
10. "The angel showed me the river of water of life." Revelation 22:1
Meditation: Invite the Holy Spirit to come and bubble up afresh in your life. Listen to the music of running water. (If there is no running water, imagine the sound of it in your mind).
Senses: Hearing, seeing and touch. (Feel the cool water).
11. "He leads me beside quiet waters." Psalm 23:2
Meditation: Lay down any burdens that are lingering and let the Lord lead you by still waters. Think about tranquility and peace.
Senses: Hearing and seeing.
12. "In this place I will give peace." Haggai 2:9
Meditation: May you know God's peace in every aspect of your life. May God truly bless you.
Senses: Hearing, seeing and a different touch (feeling the peace).
Closing: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful, and thankful." Colossians 4:2
Meditation: Your own thoughts.
Senses: The Holy Spirit.
XOXO, Bethany