The mist over the pond shone in the morning light as staff from the Greater Ontario House of Prayer (GOHOP) arrived for a day of silent prayer and reflection. GOHOP, located in the basement of 541 Eatery and Exchange in Hamilton, Ontario is part of the international 24/7 Prayer community which focuses on practices of new monasticism.

The GOHOP team began the morning with prayer, worship, and teaching. After a tour around the farm and hearing a few hopeful A Rocha stories from Cam Phillips, the staff went off on their own across the 98-acre property for two hours of solitude and prayer.

Coming back together, participants noted how connected they felt to God by spending time alone in creation. “By spending time alone listening to creation, I was able to experience God in a way I can’t in the city” noted one participant. “By seeing the colour of grasshoppers and their complex anatomy, I know that there is a God,” noted another.

The day ended with the GOHOP team praying over the farm and for A Rocha, and that we may continue to work together for the better of Hamilton and the world in the name of Jesus. The team was able to leave the farm with fresh produce from our garden, feeling refreshed and reconnected with God through creation. It is encouraging to have folks come out to Cedar Haven and experience God through creation.

We at A Rocha encourage churches and other faith-based communities to take time to connect with creation. When we get to know God’s creation we are more likely to care for it and fall more in love with our Creator.

If you’re interested in having a retreat day, a Sunday service, an evening worship time, or exploring the property with your community please email: cameron.phillips@arocha.ca.