Sometimes, I find it hard to pray. I feel disconnected and far from God. It seems that I have to pray long prayers and work hard to get God’s attention.

What is my perception of prayer that it makes it seem like such an effort? Do I feel unworthy or not good enough? Do I feel like I’m barely existing and disconnected from myself, people and God?

Thankfully, there is a divine connection available to us, and we can have unlimited access to heaven, at all times.

Jesus said:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

And, if you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins and was resurrected from the dead, you have the key to connecting with heaven from here on earth.

To help me pray easily and effectively, I often create a garden, a secret place in my mind, where I can go anytime day or night.

I picture myself standing in front of a purple garden gate with vines and beautiful white flowers hanging over the top and along the sides.

This is God’s garden, and the purple gate reminds me of the unbreakable connection I have with God through the finished work of Christ who is the key to eternal life.

The key is in our hands and in our hearts because of our faith in Christ.

It’s all there, one step forward, one click of the key and the door opens to the wonders of heaven. This is our secret place, our garden of prayer and connection with our Heavenly Father and creation.

David writes in the Psalms:

“Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1)

The Hebrew word for inclined is ‘natah’, and it means to stretch out, extend, spread over, pitch (like a tent), turn, bend and bow.

God is ready and waiting for us in the secret place, the garden of prayer. When we enter through the gate He turns towards us, bends low, stretching himself over us like a tent to hear our prayers.

This is a private place where we engage in conversation with God our heavenly Father, Creator of the Universe.

We have his undivided attention.

And Psalm 6:9 says that God ‘accepts’ our prayer. Accepts in Hebrew is ‘laquch’ and means to take, lay hold of, seize and receive.

Jesus holds the key to heaven and earth and the moment we believe, a key is placed in our hands. We have access always.

Breathe the air, clear your mind, embrace the forgiveness that is always yours.  Take hold of the flowers of redemption, eternity, healing and hope that are found in the secret place, the garden of connection and prayer with the God of heaven and earth.