Since February is the month of love, I decided to share with you a poem I wrote years ago to my First Love, Jesus Christ. The poem was inspired by a prayer garden I created when we lived in California. Actually, it wasn’t a garden at all since our backyard was a cement patio, but hubby helped me turn a portion of the patio into a special place to meet with the Lord. We used potted plants to create the atmosphere of a “garden.”
Now that we live in Idaho, when weather permits, I have my quiet time out on our deck surrounded by the natural beauty of God’s creation. In the snowy winter, which we’re still experiencing now, I have to improvise in the house as I watch the snow gently fall outside.
OUR PRAYER GARDEN
You wanted to meet me early in the morning
In a place that was special to just you and me.
My heart was willing and I had such a yearning
To talk and be in your presence daily.
I began to arise just after the sun came up,
And searched for a place where we could meet.
It had to be quiet where no one would interrupt,
For the time that we shared would be so sweet.
I moved from room to room,
As I tried to find the aura,
For you and me to just commune
Every day at the same hour.
As we began to spend our time,
I felt you nudging as I would pray:
“Our get-togethers need fresh air and sunshine.
Let’s be amongst the beauty of the day.”
Of course, it was there all along.
The table, the patio, the view--
I had all the makings for a Prayer Garden,
But flowers were sadly very few.
A “green thumb” I have never been,
But I knew this was the spot for us.
And it would not be a Prayer Garden,
Without the ferns, oleanders, and hibiscus.
A shopping trip to the nursery was fun,
Even though I didn’t know what to buy.
Some flowers wanted shade and others liked sun,
So I just bought what caught my eye.
Soon my garden was worthy of comment.
The flower beds were colorful and in full blossom,
As the array of potted plants carpeted the cement.
The transformation was truly awesome.
One final touch called out to me,
Wind chimes to catch Your breath in the breeze.
A hummingbird feeder for quiet company,
In the place where we will meet when ‘er You please.
Jesus, I know now why you sought a garden
When you went to pray alone that night.
Amongst Your creation God’s presence is sovereign,
You just know God’s plans will turn out right. Janet Thompson 7/17/96
We’re all experiencing stressful times and we search for a way to bring calm and peace into our lives. Let me encourage you to find a serene spot in your home or yard to spend some time with Jesus and your Bible every day. Equip yourself with a pen, highlighter, notepaper, cup of tea or coffee . . . whatever you might need so there’s no reason to go get something and become distracted.
I like to keep a quiet time bag with all the necessities and my Bible available and leave it in my special Jesus spot. If I haven’t had my quiet time yet, every time I walk by that area, I feel a nudge from the Lord.
Jesus always has time for you; don’t keep Him waiting.
Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matt. 22:37 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28
Trending on my website is an article I wrote in 2015 How to Have a Date with Jesus, which includes pictures of my “prayer garden” and other Quiet Times areas you might enjoy.
About His Work with you,
Janet
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