Porch Prayers & Backyard Blessings

A Summer Invitation to Create Sacred Space Right Outside Your Door

Pull up a chair, or better yet, come sit here beside me on the swing. The breeze is just right this afternoon—lazy, warm, and sweet with the smell of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. I’ve got iced tea with lemon, but there’s some lemonade in the fridge if that’s more your speed. Either way, you’re welcome here.

There’s something about summer that slows the soul, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the longer days, or the way the light lingers well into evening, painting the porch in soft gold. Maybe it’s the familiar hum of bees weaving through wildflowers or the chorus of birds that rise with the sun. Whatever it is, this season feels like an open invitation from the Lord to sit awhile.

And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing lately—sitting. Not with my phone, not with a mile-long to-do list, just me and Jesus. Right here on the porch. Sometimes with a journal. Sometimes with a prayer. Sometimes in complete, holy stillness.

You see, I’ve started to think of this little porch corner as sacred space.

Sacred Doesn’t Have to Mean Fancy

We often think of sacred spaces as church sanctuaries or quiet chapels—places set apart, hushed and holy. But what if your porch swing could be a sanctuary, too? Or your patio, your back steps, even a lawn chair under your favorite tree?

Sacred isn’t always solemn. It can be joyful. Colorful. Covered in crumbs from lunch and scattered with sidewalk chalk. Sacred simply means set apart. And you, friend, are allowed to set apart a little space of your own to meet with God.

This summer, I want to invite you to do just that.

Start Where You Are (Truly)

Maybe your outdoor space is Pinterest-perfect, with cushioned seating and fairy lights. Or maybe it’s a cracked cement step next to a pot of wilting basil. Either one is perfectly fine. The Lord isn’t coming over to critique your decorating skills—He just wants to be with you.

Start small. Set aside a chair, a cushion, or a corner that’s just for you and the Lord. Keep a Bible, a devotional, or a prayer journal nearby. Light a citronella candle if the mosquitoes are bold. Add a throw pillow or a blanket if it brings you comfort.

Don’t overthink it—just create a space that says, you are welcome here, Lord.

A Porch Rhythm, Not a Routine

Some mornings, I tiptoe out early with coffee. Other times, I steal a moment in the soft hush of evening when the world feels like it's exhaling. I’ve found that prayer in the open air is different. It flows freer, somehow. I don’t feel the need to sound polished or profound. I just talk to God like I would a neighbor across the fence.

“Thank You for the breeze,” I’ll say.
“Help me to be patient with my people, my work, and myself today.”
“Why am I feeling so overwhelmed?”
“Look at that hummingbird on the feeder—You really went all out with that one.”

And He listens. Always. Even when I’m rambling or distracted. Even when all I can offer is a sigh and the word help.

That’s the rhythm of porch prayer—it ebbs and flows, rises and rests. And it makes space for God to meet you exactly where you are.

Backyard Blessings & Unexpected Altars

Don’t stop at the porch. Sacred space can stretch into the backyard, the garden, the field behind the house. I’ve started seeing my backyard differently these days—as a place of blessing.

I’ve taken to walking the yard slowly with bare feet, thanking God for the simple, the small. My prayers turn to praise as I watch bees do their important, buzzing work.

Bless this ground beneath me.
Bless this home behind me.
Bless this day before me.
Bless this breath within me.

Invite the Family In (or Not)

Sometimes, porch prayer is just for you and the Lord. But other times, it can be something you share.

Invite your kids or grandkids out for “porch quiet time.” Let them color while you read scripture aloud. Or simply sit together in silence for a minute or two, and then offer a brief prayer. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

What to Keep on Hand for Porch Prayer

Here are a few things that make my time outside even sweeter. Keep a little basket nearby or inside the door, so everything’s handy when the Spirit calls you out.

• Your Bible

• A notebook or journal

• A pen or two

• A devotional (like one of these)

• A blanket or shawl

• Bug spray or citronella candle (or a Thermacell if you have one)

• Sunglasses or a sunhat

• A big, cold drink (always)

When You Don’t Feel Like It

Truth? Some days I forget to come out. Some days I don’t feel like praying. I get cranky or tired or tangled up in my own thoughts. And yet... the porch waits. The Lord waits.

You don’t have to be in the mood to show up. Just open the door. Step outside. Breathe.

Even a few minutes in the fresh air can shift something in your spirit. It’s not about performance—it’s about presence.

A Final Thought, Friend

As you read this, I hope you're already picturing your own porch, your own backyard, your own sacred little corner of the world. I hope the idea of meeting the Lord outside feels as natural as it does beautiful.

This summer, may your porch swing become a sanctuary. May your lawn chair hold holy conversations. May the garden, the gravel path, the back step—whatever space you have—become a place where blessings bloom and prayers rise on the breeze.

And when in doubt? Pour the tea, pull up a chair, and whisper His name.

He’s already there.

With love and grace,

Sara