IBS 60 - Luke 5:16

Luke 5:16

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Being alone isn’t fun. People don’t plan time to be alone, they plan time to be with people. The way our nation has become is one of much commotion. There is so much going on that there isn’t any time to be alone. And people plan for it like that. Because, like I said, being alone isn’t fun. But how is it, that as Christians, we can plan our days so precisely to be going from one thing to the next, but we don’t add anytime to get away from the commotion. We don’t just ever withdraw to a lonely place to pray. 

Growing up, I never wanted to go to be alone and pray. I’d get bored, always feeling like I was just talking to myself. I never truly believed that praying was a legitimate thing, I’d get impatient waiting for God to answer me. As I got older, I began to see how important it is to pray. It’s how I talk to my Creator. The fact that I can actually talk to Him should make me want to do it constantly. Luke says in 18:1 to always pray and do not give up. Be patient. 

Spending time with God is something I really cherish now. In training when we would have our “On the Mount”, I learned very quickly how important it is to withdraw and pray. Now that I don’t get “On the Mount” anymore, I try to schedule in my own time during my days. I learned how sweet it is to go to a lonely place and pray. Just me and God talking to one another. 

Jesus withdrew often to lonely places and prayed. Since Jesus did it, often, that shows me the importance of praying, just me and God. The word often emphasizes the importance of withdrawing and praying. God is like my oxygen. I need Him, and if I’m not praying, if I’m not in relationship with Him then I’m dying.

- “Like my lungs need oxygen, my heart needs you.” - 

Oxygen: Fresh Life Worship