I’m thinking of an old hymn this morning as I write this. I deeply  appreciate the old hymns because they are so full of such deep meaning. Many are full of theology, some are cries to God for help, many contain Scripture. I also enjoy the new worship songs of this day, but nothing will ever replace the richness of hymns.

One of my mother’s favorite hymns and therefore well known to me, because she very often would sing it at home while I  was growing up, was ‘In the Garden’. It’s been coming to my mind this morning  and I wanted to share it with you; it’s a song about prayer.

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

I love the whole song, but what’s really causing me to think today is the refrain – He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own. Prayer is so much more than us telling God what we want; it is conversation with our best friend, Jesus Christ.  I hope you take the time today to walk with Him and talk with Him and that you hear Him reaffirming that you are His own. It’s our very lifeblood, it’s what allows us to go on and gives us our mission and purpose. Oh that the world would
be able to experience the God of the universe stepping into time and space and walking and talking with us and whispering –’You are mine, I know you and I love you.’

Let’s ask the Lord to show us how to develop that closeness with
Him, let’s keep that calmness of mind that we find early in the morning that
allows us to hear His voice. Let’s find joy as we ‘tarry’ with Him this morning.

Scripture meditation: Isaiah 43:1-2