Memorial Park
Shakopee, Minnesota
November 14, 2025
What counts as a park bench?
My parameters for my benches are that it is big enough to fit two people and has a back. It’s difficult to really relax and be meditative without a back rest. I do use park bench swings…they are basically a park bench, just without legs. I don’t use the really long benches such as found at youth baseball fields. I consider those more team benches than park benches. I generally don’t use benches right near playgrounds simply because it feels a bit awkward to be sitting at a playground watching children when you yourself do not have children there. That being said, I have used a handful of benches near playgrounds on particularly cold days when it’s unlikely children will be out. And I definitely don’t use benches at bus stops to avoid confusing the bus drivers.
Do I have to be there 30 minutes?
Yes, please. If we’re going to call these park benches holy places, we need to not rush the process. Also, meditation and connection with the Lord takes time. Even after over a year of park benching, it still sometimes takes me 10 minutes to simply quiet my mind and settle into prayer. I have even found the “sweet spot” for deeper meditation happens around the 20-minute mark. Please do not let the 30 minutes deter you from giving park bench prayer a try. We live in a world of relentless noise, unceasing busyness, endless scrolling, and constant stimulation. It’s beneficial to frequently press “pause” on life, step away from all that, and restore your soul. Embrace the solitude. Embrace the silence. Embrace the half hour. Embrace the Almighty and let your spirit rest—really rest—in Him.
Edina Promenade
Edina, Minnesota
April 14, 2026
What do I do for 30 minutes?
Whatever works for you as long as you invite God into the process. I always start by finding something that resonates with me (Bible verse, quote from a saint, song lyrics, etc.) and use that as the source of my meditation. (See my Photo Gallery for all the meditations I’ve used.) When I get distracted, I come back to that quote or Bible verse to recenter myself. (A more in-depth discussion of my park bench prayer process is in my blog post Expressions of prayer: seems I had it all backwards.) Perhaps, however, that method isn’t your style. Maybe you journal a bit or sketch something. Maybe you recite formal prayers. Maybe you listen to religious music or a session on Hallow. Make it your own. I would, however, strongly encourage at least 10 minutes of simply being with God and slowly extending that time. That is truly the essence of park bench prayer. No recitation of prayers in your head, no music, no journaling. Marvel in God’s creation around you, including the birds and other creatures. Bask in the sunshine and let God love you. Embrace the silence and just be. It really is the absolute best way to hear His voice.
Do I have to be Christian?
No. My Christian faith is the foundation of this website, and I use a lot of Christian sources for my meditations; however, anyone is invited to try park bench prayer. This is not a place for arguing whose holy books are more authentic or whose doctrine is correct. Park benching is all about simply connecting with your Creator, and all are welcome. God thirsts for each one of us.
Rosland Park
Edina, Minnesota
February 2, 2026
What if I don’t really feel anything?
Not every park benching experience will be peaceful or feel particularly productive, but it will always, always be holy. On days when I’m a little scatterbrained or when the elements are a little distracting to prayer (too hot, too cold, too many insects…), I simply focus less on me and offer it all up for future visitors to that park bench as well as the prayers in my prayer box. God will work with whatever you have to give. The more you practice park bench prayer, however, the more in tune you will become with yourself and your God.
Can I park bench with another person?
Absolutely. However, since my style of park bench prayer is all about reflection and contemplation, I find it can be difficult to sink into deeper meditation when someone is right next to me.
Do I have to always use a different park bench?
No. My park bench prayer is threefold: time spent with the Lord, creating the sacred space, and offering my time for the prayers in my prayer box. Because part of my mission is to sanctify as many park benches as possible, I seek out a different park bench everyday. I also like the variety in locations and views. Every single day is a different experience. However, if you find a favorite bench that you are repeatedly drawn to, by all means enjoy it! If you live in an area where your park bench options are limited, embrace what is available.
Oasis Travel Center
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
August 22, 2025
Does the bench have to be outside?
No, although it does take considerably more effort to stay focused when park benching in a mall or other indoor space where there are more people. I park benched outside for nine months before winter in Minnesota drove me indoors for the first time. By then, however, I was so disciplined in the practice that I found I was still able to get into my “bubble,” focus on God, and tune out everything around me (even the rollercoaster going over my head in Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America).
Do I have to do anything special to sanctify the bench?
Simply by virtue of you praying in that spot, it’s a holy place. (The Very Reverend Sam Candler from the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta has written a beautiful article on holy places.) However, it would be appreciated if you say a little prayer at the end of your time on the bench specifically for future visitors. My default is this: “I humbly ask you, O Lord, to sanctify this park bench and grant your holy peace to all those who sit here.” Optional: Sprinkle the bench with holy water if the use of holy water is part of your religious tradition.
How do I submit a bench I used to this website?
Complete this form and I will add your bench to the park bench map on the home page. Thank you! God thanks you! Also be sure to check out the prayer partner photo gallery.