Emmanuel Prayer Garden
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26: 41)
This instruction was given by Jesus to His disciples, while in the garden of Gethsemane, facing " His hour" of saving the world. He was tempted to give in to the despair and fear; to give up. Through out His life, the success of Jesus's mission to save the world depended a lot on being in company with His Father and the Holy Spirit in prayer.
Jesus faced the same exact battle that we do. Seeing His victory gives us hope. Seeing His example gives us a model. It means that we must have a constant connection with God; that we seek Him for power to overcome temptations , sin and it's effects.
Praying is not an activity ; it is an experience, a journey. Praying helps us connect with life, with ourselves, and very intimately with God. In order to keep watch and pray, we must also keep away from distractions. (see Hebrews 12:2) We can pray while standing, kneeling or sitting down.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
A prayer garden gives the opportunity to be close to God, to the elements of nature like water, stones, birds, insects and plants while praying. This can bring peace and calm and leave one with a deep-seated feeling of happiness and satisfaction. It reminds us of the original Garden of Eden or paradise,which the Book of Genesis 13: 10 also refers to as the " garden of God".
Namugongo-Kyoto invites you to the Emmanuel Prayer Garden to spend quiet and quality time with God, following the example of Jesus, Mary and the Saints. It's aesthetic uniqueness adds value to our mission of facilitating spiritual retreats and similar exercises.