Returning to the Garden of Eden
A Place of Intimacy
In Genesis 2:8-9, the beauty of the Garden of Eden’s creation is vividly depicted: "The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he placed the man he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." This idyllic setting was a place where Adam and Eve enjoyed unhindered and constant access to God's presence. The Garden of Eden was more than just a physical location; it was a spiritual oasis where God's voice could be heard and His presence felt. It is the place that God intended to be in relationship with mankind. The place where He would walk with us and we would walk with Him.
Imagine that… walking in the cool of the day and hearing the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden (Genesis 3:8). Imagine that you hear God’s soft footsteps throughout the Garden and there is no anxiety around hearing His steps. This paints a beautiful picture of the close and tangible relationship between God and humanity. In Eden, there was no separation, no barriers—just pure fellowship with God, the Creator.
The Impact of the Fall
While we can strive to experience God's presence and create an Eden-like atmosphere through prayer, it's important to acknowledge that we cannot fully experience Eden here on earth due to the Fall. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6), sin immediately entered the world from the human perspective, creating a separation between humanity and God. This separation means that the perfect communion and complete harmony that existed in Eden can never be fully restored until the ultimate redemption. We can know that this oasis sensation will once again be fulfilled through Jesus’ return in glory, but until then, we experience the limitations of the fullness of God as a result of our inept reality that sin is present.
Romans 8:22 reminds us, "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." This indicates that all of creation is affected by sin and is awaiting complete restoration. The brokenness we experience in our daily lives—pain, suffering, and death—are all consequences of the Fall. God does not cause death, sickness, or pain; those things are direct results of the consequences of the human condition. Revelation 21:1-4 paints a picture of the new heaven and new earth, where God will once again dwell with His people, wiping away all pain and suffering. Until then, our experience of God's presence is a foretaste of the complete restoration to come.
However, all hope is not lost! In fact, we have great hope that we can still achieve some level of Eden while living in the sinful world. While we live in a fallen world, prayer genuinely allows us to draw close to God, like Adam and Eve, and experience glimpses of Eden. It's through Jesus' sacrifice and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within us that we can enjoy a meaningful, deep, personal relationship with God despite the imperfections of our current existence.
Prayer as a Pathway to Eden
This might seem obvious, but I will never cease to remind everyone, including myself that prayer is our direct line of communication with God—it’s how we invite His presence into our lives and open our hearts to experience His love and guidance. Jesus emphasized the personal and intimate nature of prayer in Matthew 6:6: "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Prayer provides us with a personal, private sanctuary where we can meet with God, free from distractions and interruptions. What’s incredible is we can actually have a private sanctuary in the middle of chaos or the hussle happening around us. This takes immense discipline and focus, but it is absolutely possible.
Furthermore, to establish an Eden-like experience, it's important to set aside consistent time for prayer. This might mean finding a quiet space in your home, creating a peaceful environment, and dedicating specific moments each day to communicate with God, or pausing mid-day and focusing on the Lord. As we enter into prayer, we should invite the Holy Spirit to fill our space and surround us with His presence. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." This verse emphasizes the joy and fulfillment that comes from being in God's presence.
Reclaim Eden Through Continual Prayer
Creating an Eden-like atmosphere in our daily lives requires more than just the routine or occasional prayer; it requires a habit and lifestyle of continual prayer. Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing." This doesn't mean we must be on our knees 24/7, but it means maintaining an attitude of prayer throughout the day. By keeping our hearts and minds open to God's presence at all times, we can experience His guidance and support in every aspect of our lives.
Continual prayer involves integrating short, spontaneous, and conversational prayers into our daily routine—thanking God for blessings, seeking His wisdom in every decision, and lifting up concerns and praises. This practice keeps us grounded in our faith and allows us to remain connected to God, regardless of the circumstances. James 4:8 assures us, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." Do we truly believe the words in that verse? Do we live a lifestyle that would say otherwise? God actually loves drawing near; but, He is the complete gentleman, never forcing Himself upon you or making you draw near. As we consistently seek God's presence, we are met with His unwavering companionship every time.
Experience God's Tangible Presence
When we pray, it's essential to EXPECT and BELIEVE that we can experience God's tangible presence. Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." This assurance emphasizes the power of collective prayer and the very real presence of Jesus among believers. Personal prayer moments can also be powerful, as demonstrated by David’s example in Psalm 27:4: "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." Understanding that His presence can tangibly be felt at all times, as we navigate our daily life should be deeply encouraging.
David's desire to be near God exemplifies how we should yearn for and strive to experience His presence through prayer. By approaching prayer with confidence and anticipation, we open ourselves up to the profound spiritual experiences that deepen our relationship with God.
If you would like more information about God’s presence and how it relates to our prayer life, I would encourage you to check out our e-book called A Heart Searching: Experiencing Daily Reawakening in our store. It will bless your spiritual life with the Lord and it will give practical insights on how to experience Him personally.
Walk in Relationship with God
Through persistent prayer, we develop a deep, personal relationship with God the Father. Just as Adam and Eve walked with God in Eden, we too can walk with God. Jesus invites us into this intimate relationship in John 15:4: "Remain in me, as I also remain in you." To add on to the “draw near” scripture mentioned above, this John 15:4 gives the next step that follows… Remain! Our responsibility is not necessarily to constantly draw near at all times, once we draw near, our responsibility becomes simply to remain.
Establishing regular prayer habits, earnestly seeking His presence, and maintaining an open heart allow us to experience the beauty and wonder of Eden right here on earth. Although the Fall created a barrier, Jesus' redemptive work bridges the gap, enabling us to commune with God through prayer in ways that are similar yet, different.
God can reveal glimpses of Eden in our everyday lives. By maintaining a deep, personal relationship with God the Father, we can physically experience His presence, find joy, and stay grounded in our faith, unlike ever before, even in a fallen world.