Jesus Valued Time in Nature

Outdoor enthusiasts just love to be outside. Take us to a beach, a picnic, a botanical garden, an outdoor theater, a farm or farmer’s market, or (surprise!) a hiking trail, and we’re in our happy place. Our favorite church services are the few weeks during the year when our congregation meets at a local park or holds an Easter sunrise service on the lawn outside the church building. We simply long to be in the open air.

Jesus also liked to be outside. In fact, he often took time out of his busy ministry schedule to pray in the wilderness. He valued time alone with God. Jesus knew that by being away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, away from the crowds of people who hung on every word he said, and even away from his disciples, he would be able to focus on connecting with his heavenly Father. He also chose places where he would enjoy the beautiful landscape around him, landscapes that he himself made.

Follow Jesus’ lead and pray in wild places too. We don’t have to meet God only in set-aside places such as churches, Bible study meetings, Sunday school, and prayer rooms. While these places and times are sacred and important, we can connect with God anywhere. He is everywhere, after all. By intentionally choosing outdoor spaces to pray and be with God, we can also connect with creation and reflect on faith topics in a different way. Away from distractions and our human-made structures, immersed in the beauty of creation, we can find a deeper intimacy with the Creator.

Nature has distractions of its own—soaring mountains, interesting wildlife, babbling brooks—but these distractions point right back to the Creator. In nature, God’s handiwork is on full display. Admiring beautiful landscapes helps us contemplate his power and ability to make such grandeur. Visiting new places in nature to pray creates a sense of wonder. It’s also beneficial to have a specific place that you visit regularly to witness the changing of the seasons, admiring how that space transforms throughout the year. No matter where you find yourself praying in the wild, be sure to thank God for sharing his creation with you and expect to hear his voice a bit differently than you do within human-made walls.