Vision for the Central Presbyterian
Prayer Garden
The Vision
“WHY a garden or patio? Such a space would provide a visible and tangible location for the grace of God which we are blessed to receive in our CPC church sanctuary. I believe each congregation is set in a place that is intentional. God intends for us to share God’s grace and to minister to the neighbors in our community. Such a space would become a place where everyone can just come and be with God or with one another. It is meant to be open for all to use because we are all God’s own. Finally, we should prepare this space because Jesus has reminded us of the importance of “Loving our neighbors as ourselves” (Matthew 22: 37-40).
The Concept
The prayer garden concept began with a vision from Jane Deford (see below) to create a peaceful outdoor space where people can come to spend time with God and to fellowship with one another. The germ of the idea occurred during a Wired Word Sunday School lesson, which triggered a memory of a church garden from her own ministry work. Her words have shaped the committee’s thinking about the space since the beginning (as another way for us to experience, and to share with everyone, the love of God.) The other aspect of setting aside such a space outside the building is, simply put, that an outdoor prayer garden provides a less intimidating access to God. For some, crossing the threshold into the building, to be greeted, or merely asked to record their presence, is enough to keep them from entering the sanctuary. The prayer garden space allows them to meet God where they are.
