Mail & GPS: 599 New Boston Rd. Bedford NH 03110
DIRECTIONS: Coming from Rt. 114 (stop light at Market Basket, New Boston Rd., pass Sandford Engineering (597), pass New Boston town line, take next right: Boulder Dr. and follow signs.`From the West: 101 to Horace Greeley to Chestnut Hill, pass Satellite Tracking Station and Klondike Corner, after 2 houses on left, take Boulder Drive on left.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Open Dawn to Dusk, Opens when snow melts (April 1?). Closes with 1st snow. (December?)
WELCOME to this Place of Prayer, begun in 2003 by Rev. Dr. Lori Sandford Wiley, who, with her husband, Lloyd, has owned the property since 1982. Their house was built in 1989 by Alden Miller, their brother-in-law. Lloyd, Lori, Jose, and Loralee moved into their new house in November of 1989. Across the Pond is Sandford Engineering and beyond it, Earl Sandford’s family. Earl is Lori’s brother.
Although Lloyd and Lori are both ordained ministers with the American Baptist Churches, (Lori also has standing with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches and the Presbyterian Churches USA), the Place of Prayer is non-denominational, for all followers of Jesus Christ. Seekers of other faiths or no faith are welcome.
You are invited to wander around at your own pace, and stay as long as you wish. If you need to speak to someone, call Lori at 603-494-7020 or Lloyd at 603-860-1598.
CIRCLE OF PRAYER
This comes from Mark Batterson’s book Circle of Prayer, located in the circle. The full book is in the Prayer Library, and you are welcome to take a copy.
The goal of the Circle of Prayer is to envision something you think God wants you to have, and keep praying for it. Circle it in prayer. Walk around the circle, or sit in the middle. Persistent prayer.
BIBLICAL GARDEN
Begun in 2019, a Biblical Garden has plants mentioned in the Bible. For the complete list, check the green mailbox.
ROCK OF EBENEZER
When God gave Samuel a victory, as recorded in the Bible, Samuel got a rock and said, “So far God has helped me.” Here you can raise your Ebenezer.” How had God given you victory?
THE GROVE, SINGING PRAYER CHAIR, HAMMOCK
God said to Moses, “Take off your shoes, this is Holy Ground.” The Grove is for Earthing: Take off your shoes and connect with the earth’s energy. Hug a tree! Sit in the Prayer Chair and sing a prayer or say a prayer or enjoy the silence and shade. The Hammock is for napping. God speaks in our sleep and through our dreams. Rest!
PRAYER PATH
“I go, I walk, and I pray.” There are 14 Stations for types of prayer. Use the list found in the mailbox. If you wish more detail, there is a page of Bible verses for each Station in the white mailbox. As you stop at each Station, say a prayer out loud or silently. If a song comes to mind, you might sing your prayer. Use your body by raising your hands or folding them, or anyway that feels right for you. Feel free to eat the wild blueberries and pick as many as you want to take home.
THE POND
Jesus left the people and sat alone by the lake. There is a bench down at the lake, where you can enjoy nature and solitude. Use the canoe (with life jacket and paddle) if you wish. The water is approximately 2’ deep, and under the water, 2’ of mud, so don’t go in the Pond unless you have someone to pull you out! (seriously) There is skating on the Pond in the winter, courtesy of Earl Sandford at Sandford Engineering.
GARDENS
As you walk across the lawn, you will see fruit trees, raspberry bushes, and 2 vegetable gardens, as well as a Butterfly Garden, and a Bee Garden on the other side of the house.
PRAYER GARDEN
This was established in 2004 as a quiet place for meditation. Enjoy the waterfall.
PRAYER WALL
Read about the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Scribble a prayer and stuff it in the wall.
BENCHES: SUNRISE, SUNSET
One bench faces East for Sunrise, and the other bench (near the patio) faces West. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
OTHER
If you brought food or drink, you may sit on the patio or at the tables.
There is a path through the woods on the North side.
If you would like to take a mile-long walk, there is a Woods Road: Go down the driveway, go right to the gate. You will see the well-groomed road.
The Pulpit across New Boston Road is a popular area also.
SCHEDULED EVENTS
To schedule an event such as a Guided Tour, spiritual guide, workshop, prayer meeting, concert, etc. text, phone, or email. An event may be scheduled outside or in the Prayer Room.
Communications on-line: Year long
E-mail: placeofprayerbedfordnh@gmail.com
Web site/Blog: www.placeofprayerbedfordnh.org
Facebook: Place of Prayer Bedford NH