"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Sounds easy enough to do, and I do throughout my day shoot prayers up to God, but I feel I'm missing out on something much deeper and soul satisfying by not spending a certain time in prayer.
Throughout the Gospels Jesus goes off and spends time alone in prayer. Early in the morning on more than one occasion. Mark 1:35 is an example of this, "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed." This verse tells us quite a bit about Jesus' prayer habit. First, He rose long before daylight. I know for some that is hard to do, especially if you aren't a morning person, but I find it about the only time to have a quiet time because the rest of my family are not morning people. Could this be why Jesus was up early, before daylight?
Second, He went to a solitary place. I can picture a nice quiet place, away from the crowds and all the questions and scrutiny. Someplace where He could just focus on His Father. Right now I have a hard time finding a quiet place, solitary place. I know I said my family doesn't rise early, but they rise earlier on days I'm trying for alone time. I think the enemy doesn't want much prayer going on in this house.
Third, He prayed. He talked to His Father. I imagine He also listened. Listening is an important part of prayer, after all prayer is a conversation and in conversations you must stop talking and listen to the other person once in a while. How else are we supposed to hear that still small voice, we must be quiet, and listen. Sometimes it is so hard to sit and be still and just listen. I have so much to say to God, you know. But, unless I quiet my soul and mind, I cannot get direction and guidance from my Father, and I need that very much.
I have always wanted to be a prayer warrior, but I have lacked the ability to be quiet. I am learning. Now, I am working on finding a place where I can set up my prayer closet and have a quiet, solitary place any time during the day. After all, morning is not the only time Jesus prayed and at times He left the crowds and the disciples and went away to pray and refresh His soul by communing with His Father. I know the times I am able to spend quality time with God, in His word, and in prayer, my soul feels very refreshed.
Father,
Thank You for Your insight and guidance. Thank You for Your love and care. Guide me and my readers throughout our days.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Sounds easy enough to do, and I do throughout my day shoot prayers up to God, but I feel I'm missing out on something much deeper and soul satisfying by not spending a certain time in prayer.
Throughout the Gospels Jesus goes off and spends time alone in prayer. Early in the morning on more than one occasion. Mark 1:35 is an example of this, "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed." This verse tells us quite a bit about Jesus' prayer habit. First, He rose long before daylight. I know for some that is hard to do, especially if you aren't a morning person, but I find it about the only time to have a quiet time because the rest of my family are not morning people. Could this be why Jesus was up early, before daylight?
Second, He went to a solitary place. I can picture a nice quiet place, away from the crowds and all the questions and scrutiny. Someplace where He could just focus on His Father. Right now I have a hard time finding a quiet place, solitary place. I know I said my family doesn't rise early, but they rise earlier on days I'm trying for alone time. I think the enemy doesn't want much prayer going on in this house.
Third, He prayed. He talked to His Father. I imagine He also listened. Listening is an important part of prayer, after all prayer is a conversation and in conversations you must stop talking and listen to the other person once in a while. How else are we supposed to hear that still small voice, we must be quiet, and listen. Sometimes it is so hard to sit and be still and just listen. I have so much to say to God, you know. But, unless I quiet my soul and mind, I cannot get direction and guidance from my Father, and I need that very much.
I have always wanted to be a prayer warrior, but I have lacked the ability to be quiet. I am learning. Now, I am working on finding a place where I can set up my prayer closet and have a quiet, solitary place any time during the day. After all, morning is not the only time Jesus prayed and at times He left the crowds and the disciples and went away to pray and refresh His soul by communing with His Father. I know the times I am able to spend quality time with God, in His word, and in prayer, my soul feels very refreshed.
Father,
Thank You for Your insight and guidance. Thank You for Your love and care. Guide me and my readers throughout our days.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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