THE POND BY THE WOOD
There are good places to pray outdoors. A fallen tree can be an extended church pew. Talking with God can occur next to a pond in a quiet field of over-grown trees and shrubs. He wants us to talk with Him. Among the thorn apple trees, a heart can turn to speak with God in prayer. We know and serve a relationship God.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee,

and show thee great and mighty things,

which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

Seek God and you will find Him. He looks at the heart. Your heart. And mine. We get glimpses of people's hearts, don't we? We understand people's intentions and when they show kindness and not. God knows a hundred times more than we, His creation. Even more than that. He is the Heart-Reader.

God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire

and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor,

nor for the death of your enemies,

and since you have not asked for a long life

but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people

over whom I have made you king,

therefore wisdom and knowledge will be

given to you. And I will also give you

wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who has before

you ever had and none after you will have."

2 Chronicles 1:11-12

King Solomon had asked God for wisdom. Not only was this request granted by God but because of Solomon's heart, God gave even more to him. Look at Hannah and Jabez. Their requests were granted too. Can you think of other people in the Bible who prayed and were granted what they asked for?

Delight yourself in the LORD

and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Isn't it a joy to read the rich promises that are throughout the Word of God? Who would not take hold of them? I trust you have decided in your own heart what you will believe. The Heart-Reader reads hearts and is very good at it. That is His nature.

O LORD, hear my prayer,

listen to my cry for mercy;

in your faithfulness and righteousness

come to my relief.

Psalm 143:1

Humans are made in God's image. So God has ears and is listening. Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow, which I've mentioned many times. Keep praying. Be persistent.

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

It's encouraging to know that a relationship God wants to be in relationship with you and me. Practice prayer. Make it a practice, a habit. As I've heard, only a habit can change a habit. Make it a good one. You could very well end up like King Solomon, being granted more than you asked. Remember the boy who had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread? He offered what he had and Jesus multiplied it to feed 5,000 people. Trust God with your prayer and see what God does.

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord

will be saved."

Romans 10:13

Salvation comes to those who call on God through Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to die for our sins. Whoever believes this will be saved and have eternal life. The Heart-Reader is also the Best Giver. 

Go to the woods and pray. Or to the pond by the woods. God is waiting there for you.
Prayer equals JOY!