Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, as we walk with You in the garden of Your love, just as You have called us to do. In the quiet moments, You speak to us tenderly, and we listen, knowing that You are near. Thank You for the sweet fellowship we share with You in Your presence.
Just as the hymn reminds us, "We come to the garden alone," we recognize that it is in solitude with You that our souls find their deepest peace. You are our refuge and our strength (Psalm 46:1), the One who calls us by name and welcomes us into Your embrace. In Your presence, we find joy that surpasses understanding and comfort that calms every fear.
Lord, we hear Your voice calling us, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). And though the world may be full of noise and distraction, we find rest for our weary souls in Your gentle whispers, just as You called to Mary, "Mary!" and she knew Your voice (John 20:16).
We feel Your love, O Lord, as the hymn says, "He speaks, and the sound of His voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singin’." Let us continually hear Your voice in the stillness, and let it guide us in every moment of our lives. As You said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). We long to follow You with all our hearts, wherever You lead us.
You have promised, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And so, in this sacred moment, we come to You, seeking that rest. You are the Good Shepherd, and we are Your sheep, resting in the knowledge that You lead us beside still waters and restore our souls (Psalm 23:2-3).
Thank You for the garden of Your grace, where we meet, where we walk together, and where You reveal Your heart to us. You have called us into this intimate relationship with You, and we will respond with love, trust, and obedience. "The Lord is our light and our salvation; whom shall we fear?" (Psalm 27:1) In You, we are safe and secure, enveloped in Your infinite love.
Lord, as we leave this time of prayer, may we carry Your peace with us, knowing that You are always with us. We will forever seek Your presence, walking with You, talking with You, as we share our hearts in this garden of grace.
In the name of Jesus, our Savior, we pray, Amen.