Prayer Prompts

Prayer Garden Reflections: Wrestling with God  You are invited to move among the four prayer stations in the Garden, or to remain in one place as you enter into the following reflections. What helps you engage more deeply — movement or stillness? Stay with what stirs you. Linger with what draws your attention. Be curious and open. However you choose to experience the Prayer Garden, may you be present to God and to yourself.  

In our current sermon series, we are leaning into hard questions—allowing ourselves to feel a bit uncomfortable, even to wrestle with God—as we consider the questions people have asked throughout the ages. Perhaps they are questions you carry as well. God is not afraid of our questions. In fact, He  promises that He will be found when we seek Him:  

“. . . you will search for the LORD your God, and you will find Him when you seek Him with all  your heart and all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 

Reflection 1: Preparation for Questioning 

 1. How do you feel about asking God tough questions? Do any teachings or traditions in your background make you feel hesitant or even guilty about questioning Him? If so, can you share these feelings honestly with God? Or perhaps you feel safe bringing your hardest thoughts into  His presence. If that is true for you, take a few moments to thank Him for the security and freedom you experience in His presence.  

2. Consider a few of the questions people have asked of God throughout Scripture. How do their words shape the way you feel about bringing your own questions to Him? What do you notice stirring within you as you listen to their honesty? 

a. Really? Abraham (Genesis 18:23-25) — “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? . . . You could not possibly do such a thing! . . .Won’t the Judge of the whole earth do what is just?”  

b. Why this? Moses (Numbers 11:11) — “Why have you brought such trouble on your servant? Why are you angry with me, and why do you burden me with all these people?”  

c. Why me? Gideon (Judges 6:15) — “But Lord, Gideon replied, how can I rescue Israel?  My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire  family!” OR David (Psalm 22) — “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why  are You so far away when I groan for help?” 

3. When we look at the stories behind these verses, we see that God does not reject people for their  questions—He meets them and waits patiently with them. What is it like to consider that He holds  the same spaciousness for you? What does this spaciousness feel like in your body? Can you  slow your breathing and lean into this gift that God offers?  a. 

Reflection 2: Identifying My Questions  

1. In this next space, take time to notice the questions that rise within you.  What feels heavy on your heart right now? What questions have you been carrying—perhaps  quietly—for a long time?  

2. Allow yourself to name them honestly, without rushing to answers or resolutions. 

 3. If you feel comfortable, write your questions down. Give yourself permission to linger with them.  

4. As you sit with your questions, what emotions begin to surface?  Can you gently name what you are feeling? Confusion, fear, disappointment, anger? How would  you describe your emotions?  

5. When you are ready, move to the next reflection, where you are invited to meet with Jesus in  prayer—as you would with a trusted friend. 

Reflection 3: Be With Jesus in Your Questions  

In this reflection, we engage the gift of imagination. Read the instructions below and then take your time  as you move through this experience with Jesus.  

1. Begin by settling into a comfortable position. Gently close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths.  As you relax, imagine yourself in a place that feels peaceful and calm—a setting that reflects beauty and tranquility. Perhaps you are beside the ocean or a quiet lake, in a forest or meadow,  surrounded by mountains, or in a prayer garden.  

2. Take a few moments to become aware of your surroundings.  What do you notice? What colors do you see? What sounds do you hear? Are there any scents  or textures that stand out?  

3. Now, begin to notice Jesus in this place with you.  Perhaps He is at a distance, or maybe He is already near. Watch as He comes closer. What do you notice about Him? What is His expression? How do you and Jesus greet one another?  

4. Jesus may invite you to sit with Him.  As you are with Him, notice how you feel in His presence. Imagine Him looking at you with love,  delight, and compassion. Allow yourself to receive His gaze.  

5. When you are ready, Jesus invites you to share your questions with Him.  Can you offer them honestly? What is it like to be this open with Him? As you speak, notice His response—His expression, His posture. Do you feel safe? Remain in conversation with Him. 

6. Does Jesus respond in any way?  What does He say or do? How do you receive it? What stirs within you?  

7. Remain here with Jesus as long as you desire. Let this be unhurried and sacred.  

8. When you sense it is time to leave, notice how you say goodbye. What lingers with you?  

9. As you gently return to the present moment, reflect on your experience. What felt meaningful or  real to you?  

10. If you would like, take time to write about this encounter. You are creating spiritual memories with  Jesus—moments you may return to again. Remain open to how He may continue to meet you. 

Reflection 4: Anchored in Love  

God does not promise to always answer our questions. That can be frustrating—and you are not alone.  Consider Thomas, the disciple. He was not in the room when Jesus first appeared to the others, and he struggled to believe their story. He carried real questions: Is Jesus truly alive? Is He who He said He was?  “Then Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and place it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’  Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’  Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have  not seen and yet have believed.’”  —John 20:27–29  

1. Jesus did not reject Thomas. He met him in his doubt. He made space for his questions and offered His presence.  This same Jesus is present with you—steady, patient, and unafraid of what you bring.  Can you pause for a moment and allow that truth to settle gently into your heart?  

2. God does not always provide clear or immediate answers.  At times, the life of faith holds mystery. And within that mystery, we are invited into trust.  What might it look like for you to remain anchored in God’s love, even when your questions remain unanswered?  

Closing Prayer  

Gracious God,  You are patient with us in all things—  in our wondering, our questioning, and our longing to understand.  Thank You for meeting us not with rejection,  but with presence…  not with pressure, but with love.  When answers feel distant,  anchor us in the truth that You are near.  When we feel uncertain,  hold us steady in Your faithfulness.  Teach us to trust You in the mystery,  to rest in Your compassion,  and to remain open to Your presence in every season.  As we leave this space, carry our questions with us—and remind us that we never carry them alone.  We offer ourselves to You, just as we are.  
Amen.