Many of you enjoyed last year’s post, “7 Places to Pray this Spring” so I thought you might enjoy a few more.
Daring to step outside our comfort zones to talk with God reminds us how the faith walk is an adventure that was never intended to be squirreled away for safekeeping. It is flowing, never static. A verb, not a noun. In him, we live, and move, and have our being. (Acts 17:28)
In a recent Instagram post, Stephanie Smith (@stephduncansmith), shared this:
“Martin L. Smith, an Anglican monk, wrote a wonderful book on prayer The Word is Very Near You. In his chapter entitled “God is a Conversation,” he observes that we do not imitate prayer. Instead, we are invited to join a conversation that is already underway between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.”
So where can we join in the conversation this Spring?
A local coffee shop.
If the aroma and promise of “happy juice” (as my husband refers to coffee around here) aren’t enough to draw you in, step through the doors and let prayer be your guide. Ask the Holy Spirit to prompt you on how to pray for those seated around you, for the Baristas, for the woman seated in the corner, staring outside the window. With your intentional heart of prayer engaged, something much sweeter than foam swirled in a fancy design will waft through the air. (Here’s a post I shared a while back about my own coffee shop experience.)
Take a hike!
In most areas, spring is a perfect time to hit the trails. It’s not too hot or too cold and if we’re lucky, snakes are still hidden away wherever it is they go. Before the first shoe track smacks dirt, let’s jot down five things on the trail to find. And when we do, we can pause for a moment to thank God. Some things to look for on our hike might include a tiny critter, a particular wildflower or butterfly, moss, or a tree leaf.
Gym
Let’s face it, summer is just around the corner. As you walk on the treadmill, lift the weights, or row, row, row your boat, pause to take in your surroundings. Choose three people to pray for silently, trusting He knows their deepest needs. Or blanket the room in prayer as you remember 1 Timothy 4:8 ESV: For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Stargazing
Bundle up, tuck a blanket beneath your arm (or enjoy the leisure of a comfy outdoor chair), and look up! As you do, consider reading the scripture verses below:
- He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns midnight into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land— the LORD is his name. Amos 5:8
- Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26
- He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Psalm 147:4
Gazing into the dark sky, let’s pay attention to how God might be leading us to pray for ourselves and for others. Maybe it’s to remember God’s sovereignty, His creative work, or to be reminded that since He knows the number of stars and calls them by name that He surely knows (and cares about) every detail of our lives.
Strawberry pickin’
Tis’ the season here in the south when we load up the kids, head to a nearby strawberry patch, and hand out cartons to hold the sweet red triangular fruit. The Bible talks about teaching our children as we go and this can happen in a strawberry patch, an apple orchard, a vegetable garden, or anywhere else when we talk about Psalm 34:8, Taste and see that the LORD is good. What personal story of God’s goodness can we share with others and offer prayers of thankfulness as we go?
Do any of the above ideas spark your interest? We’d love to know! Or is there another place, in particular, you enjoy praying during this glorious season? Share below and you’ll be entered in a giveaway for a cup of Starbucks coffee (in case you want to try the first idea.)
So many great places around the Cross Dubya Ms. Cathy. “Burial Hill”, underneath my pines, leaning on the fence watching the livestock graze. Mostly it’s in my truck or in my den though, before the sun rises. Some great thoughts ma’am.
Cathy, I absolutely love these ideas, especially the reminder to pray for those around us where ever we are.
Hi, Jeannie! I’m delighted you enjoyed the ideas. Thank you for commenting AND sharing this post. It means a lot. 🙂
I enjoy praying on my deck as the birds praise God in song. After reading your post, I’ll remember to pray for neighbors whose houses I see from there.
That sounds like a lovely place to pray and praise. 🙂
I’m definitely a “pray on the way” person. I like to use time in the car for worship and prayer. (The nature walk/hike option is always a winner too.) Thanks so much for sharing, Cathy!
Hi Nicki! Thank you for taking the time to stop and share. I love that you’re a “pray on the way” person too. 🙂 Blessings!
Love the idea of praying for my fellow gym rats! I’ve never thought of that. It will take my focus off me and my reps. Likewise on the trail
I couldn’t help but smile when I read “gym rats” – ha! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment. It’s always a pleasure seeing your sweet smile. 🙂
Cathy Baker I love going to a place we call Silver Falls. It’s a little roadside park with a river running through it and some nice paths to just enjoy being in God’s presence. Good prayer-walking place.
That sounds like a beautiful spot for prayer, Eva! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Blessings, sweet friend! 🙂
Sometimes, I pray in my car especially if someone flies around me, driving erratically or at a stop light, I’ll look over and pray for them. When I put on FB, I’ll pray for you, I’ll pray for them right then. When I am with my friends eating out, I am always asked to say the Blessing.
I love taking time to pray at the beach, in the park, on my front porch swing, driving/riding in the carand sitting in my rocking chair when everyone is in bed.
A great question Cathy. Anywhere or anyplace is good. Somehow it’s being near a stream, a lake, a river and especially the ocean that causes me to pray even more so.
I think you’re right, Elaine. Some places inspire us more than other. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Love those ideas. I like to pray with a bunch of ladies from church outside now on picnic benches outside church when we meet Sunday nights for Bible study.
Same here, JD. I sit on one end of the couch where I can see the sun rise during my time with Him. But staying awake to every prayer opportunity changes everything, as you well know. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment AND share the post. What a blessing!
I enjoy pray and seeking God when I’m walking. I have my praise and worship music going and it’s me and my Father the only ones there . And when I’m driving I pray in the car .
Yes!! Love this, Amanda. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Cathy, these are great ideas! I love this so much, these are some of my favorite ways! I have been praying in my kitchen while I prep for the week or the day!
And I love it when you share those prayerful moments in your kitchen on Instagram, Daisy. Thank you for taking the time to stop by!
Great ideas, Cathy! I love the nature hikes for praising God and coffee shops are just perfect for sitting and noticing people to pray for. Plus the coffee or tea, of course.
Of course! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, Angie. Blessings, friend.
Cathy, I am giggling over your list, well, mostly “strawberry picking” … I live in southeastern Minnesota where we have BARELY cracked the upper 40’s for our day-time hi-temps. We don’t usually have strawbs until about June. So, I replaced “strawb pickin'” with “while cleaning out the asparagus patch.”
Ha!! We grew asparagus when I was growing up so I think that’s a delightful exchange. 🙂 Thanks for giggling along with me and taking the time to share. Blessings!!