Solitude

   “And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.”  (Matt 14: 23)

   Jesus often went off by himself to pray.  He sought solitude; a personal experience between Himself and the Father.  We also need alone time with God.  Time when it’s just the two of us, expressing our love for Him and feeling the love He has for us.

   Communal prayer is wonderful and an important part of the life of a Christian.  But just as a husband and wife sometimes need to leave the kids at home with a sitter and have time with each other, we need to leave others behind and have that time with God.

   Setting aside a prayer time is vitally important to Christian life.  We all have a need to commune one-on-one with God.  These are the times when we can express our personal concerns, needs and desires and ask God for His guidance.  Part of that time needs to be silent in order to better hear the voice of God in our lives.  As Elijah found on the mountain God is sometimes in the whisper.  To hear that whisper we need the solitude and quiet.

   Regardless of the prayers said, whether formal or spontaneous, we need to quiet our minds, open our hearts and soul to the message God may be trying to give.  Silence in our prayer time allows that opportunity.  In solitude we open ourselves to God.

Father, the world is so loud.

The distractions so many.

In solitude and quiet I seek Your will.

Fill me with Your Spirit and guide my life.

Amen