Been studying Jesus and prayer this week for a series called "VERTICAL" we're doing at our church, The Quest (www.theQUESTonline.com). In my study I'm amazed at the number of times the Gospel writers talk about Jesus going off to be alone and "pray." I don't know how I missed it before, but it's everywhere! Here is God's Son making SPACE in His own busy and crazy life for time alone with His Father. I feel like my life is busy and crazy, too. I don't know a person who doesn't feel this way. The problem for me is - I don't create this SPACE in my life for the kind of time alone with God (prayer) that Jesus did. Yet I feel that I can somehow survive without it, I guess. I'll don't know what it's going to take for me to "get it." Even as I'm writing this blog, a book just popped in my mind that my wife gave me several years ago - called "Too Busy Not to Pray." Guess what? I haven't read it. Not a page. I guess I'm too busy. I've got to find that book.
I've got to be honest - sometimes I struggle with preaching. The reason - it's too convicting/challenging to my own life. But I guess that's the point. If it doesn't speak to me, it won't speak to anyone else. I'm really dealing with that this week - centering in this issue of prayer. It just won't let go of me.
"God help me create SPACE in my life for You. Amen."
3 comments:
Your thoughts on prayer really ressonate with me. It seems like my own devotional life usually becomes more functional than anything. By that I mean that I usually find myself studying the Bible for my seminary classes or praying because I need extra grace from the Lord for something I'm working at. I hardly ever spend time for no other purpose than to cultivate intimacy with the Father the way that Jesus seemed to. I hardly ever read the Scriptures just to let the words transform me. I've actually been thinking a lot about this lately, and I'm looking for creative ways to cut out time for this kind of prayer.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Your thoughts on prayer really ressonate with me. It seems like my own devotional life usually becomes more functional than anything. By that I mean that I usually find myself studying the Bible for my seminary classes or praying because I need extra grace from the Lord for something I'm working at. I hardly ever spend time for no other purpose than to cultivate intimacy with the Father the way that Jesus seemed to. I hardly ever read the Scriptures just to let the words transform me. I've actually been thinking a lot about this lately, and I'm looking for creative ways to cut out time for this kind of prayer.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Hey John,
One of the ways that I am reminded to have my quiet time is to create a physical space in my home...an altar if you will....We all need a sacred space in our home for such purposes...places where we slow our breathing down and listen to what's going on inside...
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