Time for Prayer

Few would disagree that life is busy and cluttered with activity. Even so, it is imperative that we follow the pattern set for us by Christ, regularly shutting out everything to quietly spend time in communion and fellowship with God. This was the habit of Jesus’ life. Luke tells us that he “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Lk.5:16). While that may seem unrealistic with our hectic schedules, it is important to remember the many things and the multitudes of people who were always trying to force their way into Christ’s schedule.

It is also helpful to realize that Jesus had to work hard to make these solitary encounters happen. He didn’t just happen to “have the time,” Jesus “made the time” as they say. For example, Mark records that “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mk.1:35). Matthew tells us that at other times he needed to stay up late into the night to find any quiet time to pray (Mt.14:23-25).

I know it is hard, and I know we like our sleep, but alone time with God is the most important investment we can make in the next twenty-four hours.