Prayer was never meant to stay within four walls, or spoken from a well-worn chair, or coupled with coffee.
Don’t get me wrong, praying in my favorite spot with coffee in hand is a delight. But when I look at Jesus, I see how He prayed in the wilderness, solitary places, on a mountain, in crowds, gardens, and with children.
Jesus prayed with the same ease as His next breath, making the most of every opportunity.
As I look around, I see spring everywhere — in outdoor activities, flowers, trees, and on the labels of my sinus meds. The struggle is real. But every season offers its own unique opportunities for prayer, and spring is no exception.
So, where are some places we can make the most of every opportunity to pray this season? I’ll get the ball rolling with eight ideas:
A Park
Depending on the time we visit, we might see women running, children climbing on playsets, or couples circling it hand-in-hand.
We can pray God will bless the efforts of those taking the time to exercise. Are children climbing monkey bars? Pray they’ll come to know Jesus at an early age, for their protection (spiritually, emotionally, and physically), and for their parents. Also, seeing couples enjoying time together is a reminder to pray that they’ll be a good and godly influence on other couples (and we will too). So, let’s get to dusting off the devilish yellowish-green powder covering the park bench and take our seats!
Walks in Our Community
We walk in our neighborhood and pray for various families as we pass by their homes. So let’s stretch our prayer muscles and find other places in our community to pray. We can circle our children/grandchildren’s school in prayer or a small business that’s struggling. Let’s circle our church, praying for the pastoral staff and their families. We can also pray as we pass by the police station, fire department, and other places where dedicated men and women serve our community and country.
In the Garden
You know the old saying that we’re closer to God in a garden? Maybe it’s older than we think. After all, life began in a garden and the union with God was perfect before fruit was plucked and eaten.
As we dig into the earth, let’s consider those who need a holy heart tilling ⏤ for the Holy Spirit to begin preparing their heart for His Word, and that truth will sink deeply in their heart and mind. Pulling weeds? What a beautiful reminder to pray that we ourselves will also have a well-tilled heart.
At the Beach
Many southerners make their way to the beach during spring break, weekend trips, and early vacations. I have a feeling we’re not alone. (I hope we’re not!) While sitting on the beach, scoop up a handful of sand. Notice the number of granules, even in one pinched finger’s worth. Psalm 139 says God’s thoughts toward us outnumber the grains of sand. Do you, or someone you know, need to be reminded of God’s goodness, care, and attention? Pray and if you want to give them a tangible reminder, scoop sand in a Ziploc bag. Also, watching the mighty waves curl, crash and ease their way to the shore reminds us of God’s power and strength. Let’s pray for this power to move in our present circumstances, as well as others. A week’s worth of similar ideas is included in my devotional guide for the beach. (Not an affiliate link.)
The Farmer’s Market
We see a smorgasbord of fresh vegetables, flowers, jams, honey, and jellies⏤the fruition of hard work behind the scenes. It’s a great opportunity to pray for those who plant, water, fumigate, and can fruity goodness. Pray for their health, blessings on their work, and success.
At the Zoo
Who doesn’t enjoy a visit to the zoo, especially before the double-whammy hits ⏤ humidity and mosquitoes! Kids and kids-at-heart marvel at God’s creativity — the colors, habits, shapes, and their innate ability to survive. There’s no better place to praise God for surrounding us in His handcrafted beauty.
Road Trip!
Maybe it’s hard to imagine being able to pray while whipping around curves and stopping for lunch at our favorite mom and pop cafe but thanks to breath prayers, it’s possible.
Intentionally “taking” our prayer life wherever we go opens our eyes to spiritual truths and opportunities we would miss otherwise. And no greater example of this is Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
Here’s a handy PDF download of this post.
Great ideas here! What strikes me most though is when you said “Jesus prayed with the same ease as His next breath.” Oh to be so natural and effortless with our prayers. What a model to aspire to! Then we could really “pray without ceasing.”
So true, Candyce! It’s my desire as well. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to share!
I feel like I’ve been on a refreshing trip after reading this post. Very well done and super encouraging! Thanks, Cathy!
I love this, Angie. So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Oh, I love this post! What a wonderful, refreshing reminder to pray every moment, every place.
Aww, thanks, Molly Jo! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate you taking the time to share. 🙂
Love this! I’ve prayed in just about all the places you listed but the Farmers Market was a new idea. What an opportunity to pray for the vendor we interact to with and to thank God for His provision but His creativity in giving us such variety as we walk the area.
Thanks, Marilyn! I know the vendors will be blessed to have your prayers. 🙂
Love the connection you made with prayer and places! Awesome idea!
Thank you, Karen!
I felt as though I went on a journey through each of your suggestions, and it was a sweet adventure for sure. You have a way with transporting people with your words 🙂 Thank you for always leading us to the presence of God.
It’s always a sweet adventure with you, Charla! Wouldn’t it be fun to actually visit all these places together in a weekend? Road trip! 🙂
Yes, please!
*smile*
So enjoyed this post Ms. Cathy. You gave me a few new ideas, but some of my favorite places (beyond the desk in me den) would be; my bed, under the pine trees in the barnyard, atop the hill facing east in the morning. on the hill facing west in the evening, in the barn, in the workshop, at church, in our home, and on occasion in the aisle of a crowded store when it’s needed. Thank you so much; and thank you for the handy download ma’am. God’s blessings.
Why, yes, JD! What great suggestions! I can only imagine how beautiful it must be to stand on a hill facing east in the morning. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to share and encourage us all.
Great suggestions, friend. I love praying on my screened in porch and walking in my neighborhood. After reading this post, I’m thinking I need to get out more! Blessings to you:)
Thank you, Ginger! I enjoyed your most recent post on spiritual rest. What a blessing!
I like your suggestions. I often pray during road trips and while walking around parks – city, county, or state parks. I feel inspired in those places. Driving on a road in the “middle of nowhere” can be very calming.
Hi, Robin! It’s great seeing you here. 🙂 I love that you pray during road trips and walks. Thanks so much for sharing.
I have walked on the track early morning…beautiful setting enjoying God’s creation, worshipping the creator of the beautiful sunrise, clouds, birds. Singing “How great thou are” and other songs that brings me to who Jesus is. At the same time I’m exercising this temple He’s given me to take care of.
I love this, Merita! Thank you for sharing. There’s something about being in nature that makes me feel closer to God too. 🙂