Step Away...and Pray



 "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed." Mark 1:35

"So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed." Luke 5:16

"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Matthew 6:6 

Early on in Jesus' ministry, we see Him take time away from the crowds, and away from His disciples, to have some quiet, meaningful, one-on-one time with His Father. Throughout the Gospels there are numerous times we see Him continue this practice. Those last moments before His arrest, torture, and crucifixion? He removed Himself to pray. Jesus gave us the recommendation also, that we should likewise remove ourselves, close ourselves in our room even, and pray in secret. 

In the time when Jesus was actively preaching, there were many so called church leaders (pharisees, sadducees, etc) who had lost their way. They had warped God's Word, and twisted it with traditions that made them look good. However, they were misguided, prideful, and their idea of prayer was this loud, public display of how righteous they felt they were. Jesus was trying to show, and tell, us that this wasn't how prayer was supposed to go. These self-serving, public prayers were not pleasing to God...and there was zero value to them in light of building a relationship with God. 

I don't believe that all public prayer is wrong though. There are absolutely times when coming together to pray is a beautiful thing that unites us with each other as we also seek a closer walk with God. Prayers of repentance, praise, thanksgiving, and humble asks - like praying for others who are hurting in some way - are all wonderful ways to pursue God together. 

However, I have learned that our personal relationship with our Heavenly Father is best grown through the times we reach out to Him one on one. Removing ourselves from distractions gives us the opportunity to tune into His presence. Psalms 46:10a tells us, "Be still and know that I am God." It is very challenging to calm our minds to hear God's voice. This is nearly impossible sometimes without finding a quiet place to seek one-on-one time with Him. Even Jesus sought out alone time with God during His short time on this earth! 

I do not say lightly that I have learned how important our prayer life is to our overall faith walk with God. This year I have made a purposeful effort to spend more time with God. In His Word, and in quiet prayer time with Him. The transformation He has been working in me is still in progress but I am excited about continuing this journey with Him! My prayer for you, if you aren't already, is that you will find time each day - even if just a couple minutes - to spend one-on-one with God and see what amazing things He works in you! Be blessed and be the blessing my friends. 

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