SPACE TO PRAY
Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (NIV)
Most busy people have little time away from the job. The pressure of 'things to get done', opportunities 'not to be missed' and 'disasters to avert' is constant. Jesus knew what that was like. With so many ministry opportunities and obvious popularity He made the right decision. Stop and pray!
Jesus often went away from the crowds, out of the towns and even away from His disciples, so that He could spend time alone with His Heavenly Father in prayer. Of course He cared about people's needs, but would not let them control His agenda. Jesus knew His primary mission was the salvation of souls through His self-sacrifice on the cross and knew that nothing must deflect Him from arriving at the cross on time. Meanwhile, His teaching ministry explained the Saviour's role; and His healing and exorcism ministry demonstrated that He had full authority over sin's curse and Satan's terror. But every day He only wanted to do what was agreed with Father God (John 14:31). That is why He prayed.
Those isolated prayer-times were not for Jesus to de-stress after a busy time, but to pre-stress His soul by loading Himself with the Father's love and wisdom. The same is true for every Christian. Without the Father's love we will shrivel inside; without His wisdom we will be foolish outside; and without prayer we will have no confidence that God is alongside. Too busy to pray ... that is far too busy. So whatever your schedule, don't just break into activity; break out with your Father to receive His love, wisdom and the confidence that you are working together with Him. Pray too for your friends, and the business of your workplace, that God may be glorified.
Prayer: Father God. If Jesus needed to spend time alone with You, how much more do I! Please forgive me when I think that I can rush through the day without committing it all to You, and receiving Your love and wisdom. Help me to place today into Your hands, to ask for Your advice and learn how to accept what You say. Most of all, I do need to know that You love me, and I need to learn to love You best of all: so please help me to make the time to pray and find a place where we will not be disturbed. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
