A few years ago, I realized my daily prayer time had become routine. God felt distant, the process felt impersonal, and I struggled to make a true connection.
One morning, I awoke at 5:00 and was unable to go back to sleep, so I grabbed my coffee and headed directly to my favorite chair on our back deck. Sitting there, I began reflecting on my prayer time and thought maybe I was forcing it into my schedule instead of seeing it as an invitation to connect with my Savior. Maybe it should feel more like meeting a friend to catch up over coffee. What if I think of a place that brings me joy, where I feel comfortable, somewhere that puts my mind and soul at ease? And what if... just like meeting a friend for lunch or coffee... Jesus meets me in that place?
I closed my eyes and imagined being in my favorite place - the coast. I listened intently for the steady rhythm of the waves crashing and envisioned the sun illuminating the sky in shades of coral and pinks. I felt a cool breeze at my back and the soft sand beneath my feet as I walked along the empty shoreline. I started to feel at ease. I looked ahead and there was Jesus, standing in front of a pair of weathered Adirondack chairs. As I approached, He smiled, gave me a hug, and kissed the top of my head.
With an overwhelming sense of belonging, I heard Him say, “Daughter, what are we talking about today?” and motioned for us to sit.
Like a waterfall, my words began to flow. We laughed about funny experiences in my life, celebrated joyful moments, and eagerly anticipated the future that now seemed more hopeful. I confided to Him my struggles and worries. I confessed the areas I felt I wasn’t measuring up. I prayed for those dearest to me and asked for advice in situations where I had great uncertainty. I told Him what hurt me, what angered me, what saddened me. He listened to it all. Smiling, encouraging, and simply being with me.
Before we said “Goodbye,” He reminded me that He is always with me and to put my trust in Him. He told me He will see me again there soon. I felt at peace, I felt protected. I felt known. I felt as if I had just spent hours sitting down with my best friend catching up. My prayer time didn’t have to be any different than coffee with a friend once I realized the power of being in that moment with Him. Jesus became real because I could see Him, hear Him, and coexist in the same space with Him.
Friend, I encourage you to discover the unimaginable freedom of prayer visualization in your life. Find your favorite place… the trail you run, the mountain you hike, the beach where you like to sit. Whatever place surrounds you with serenity, comfort, and joy… close your eyes and go there. He is patiently awaiting you. He cannot wait to talk with you, spend time with you, catch up with you. Allow yourself to soak in the magnificent grace, comfort, and strength He alone provides.
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