“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16).
Happy Independence Day!!! Have a safe, fun, blessed day.
Now, onto the verse of the day.
It was the habit of Jesus to make time to pray.
I find it interesting that the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Son of God sought out time to be alone with God when he was fully human here on planet earth. Jesus needed that time with God to be reminded of who he was, and who God is.
This reality begs the question, “If Jesus needed time alone with God to pray, what does that say about our need to pray?”
I want you to notice several truths about the way Jesus prayed.
- Jesus made time to pray – “Jesus often withdrew” to pray
- Jesus had plenty to do. People needed healing. Disciples needed discipling. The crowds needed teaching. Demons needed casting out. There was amazing need all around him. Yet, Jesus made time to pray.
- Jesus made space to pray – “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places” to pray
- What’s with “lonely” places? When Helen and I were courting, for three years I lived in Virginia while attending seminary while Helen stayed in Los Angeles. When we had the chance to get together, being with friends and family were fine, but that’s not the reason why we made time to be in the same space together. We needed lonely places, quiet places to be together.
- We make space – space that will give us time alone with God – so that we can be together alone with God
So, how are you making time for God so you can pray? What is your lonely place?
If you don’t have a routine and a location, how about starting now. Think about a time and location where you can be alone with God. Then carve out that time and protect that space. And, most importantly, pray.
Praxis: Faith in Action 