Today’s Key Scripture

“Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray over there.’”

— Matthew 26:36

 

Even when Peter, James, and John were with Jesus in Gethsemane, our Lord knew the importance of being alone with God the Father.

The Lord Jesus taught, “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace” (Matthew 6:6, msg).

The Master loved being with people. He spent much of His time ministering to those in need in public places, on mountainsides, and seashores. He loved to be with people of all ages, in many different situations. He loved to laugh and fellowship. Children brought a special delight to Him. Yet He knew that only as He was alone could He know and enjoy that glorious intimacy He had with God the Father.

So it is with us. It is impossible to know close communion unless we are alone with God. Elijah understood this when the Lord met Him in Horeb (1 Kings 19). For it is in that place of quietness and rest that we are able to commune with the Lord.

Prayer that gets results often means that you must seek the right location.

 

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for blessing me by spending this time alone with You. Today, I pray not only for the needs of my loved ones and me, but I mostly want to be in Your presence. And may this time with You help me to be a good reflection of You. Help me to remember the homeless, the needy, those struck with tragedies, and especially so many who don’t know Jesus as personal Savior and Lord. Help me to never let Your presence or my calling be commonplace or ignored, but give me the strength, wisdom, and concern for others that You show me every day as I commune with You. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.