I recently learned about The Quiet Garden Movement which began in the UK and is now over the world. It is, according to the website, “a simple ministry of hospitality and prayer.” Amazingly, people will offer their gardens to be used by strangers to come and pray and simply be quiet.
“He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
(Mark 6:31)
In the bustle of this world, to be in a green and shady place is quite inviting. I think that many of us feel that call from time to time to sit in silence instead of being bombarded by the noise of cars, radios, cell phones, beepers, alarms, sirens, and the talking of those around us. Retiring from the busyness of modern life at regular intervals, daily or weekly, may bring healing and a sense of wholeness into our lives.
The picture above is a bench in my own back yard, set under the overlapping shade of two trees and pointed so that I can see the bird feeders and some of my flowers, including my climbing Dublin rose. Do you have a place where you can withdraw and be with God? If not, it is worth considering how to make such a spot for prayer. Then, perhaps you might be interested in sharing your quiet garden with others.
Imagine in your travels, visiting the quiet gardens of the world, places that are filled with the prayers of those who have been there before you. The best of these places will be full of hospitality, prayer, peace and hope for the future.
Hope Talks 
That is a genius idea – I’d love to share my garden, but it is barely big enough for a bench 😦
I think it is genius, also. Think about visiting someone else’s garden that is open for prayer. Mine is larger but not the beautiful refuge that I’d like it to be. It will need to grow into that. And, of course with the drought in Texas, we are praying for rain.
I love the dappled sunlight in this inviting photo. I can imagine coming to sit on your bench and being stilled.
Our Church patio is such a space. Maybe we should invite passersby to sit and enjoy the peace. FPC Weslaco, TX
Amanda and I live in a lovely flat in the High Street, Wells. Don’t have a garden! Auntie Joyce has a nice garden but not really quite right. To have someone allow a small peace for prayer seems a wonderful idea.