From my reading in Luke 5:1-16 in the One Year New Testament.

Jesus was a busy man. He had a lot of people clamoring for his attention.

“But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases.” Luke 5:15

He had instructed the leaper he healed not to tell anyone but instead the news of his miraculous healing power spread like wildfire. He had vast crowds of people coming to hear him preach and be healed. There many spiritually hungry people to minister to, but first Jesus had to feed himself spiritually.

“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” Luke 5:16

Jesus Often…

Jesus made it a regular practices to get away and pray. Fellowship with the Father a priority for him. We should follow Jesus’ example and make withdrawing to pray a regular part of our lives.

How often do you get away to pray?

Withdrew…

 

Sometimes you have to get away. Turn off your phone and go somewhere you won’t be distracted. Jesus would sometimes spend all night in prayer but you could start with just 30mins or 1hr and it would make a huge difference.

To The Wilderness…

There is something about being in God’s creation that calms and reminds us of his greatness. It is refreshing to spend time away from the stress and constant motion of modern life.

I enjoy time regular times of withdrawing to my hot tub which is surrounded by trees. Being in nature allows me to relax in God’s presence and pray. I also like to go to a near by lake where I have claimed a bench as my “prayer spot” (see pic at top). I would like to do this even more.

For Prayer…

Jesus didn’t just go away to relax. He went to connect with God. The strength of your prayer life is one of the best indicators of the strength of your walk with God. Ask yourself…

Where could I go to pray and get away from distractions?

How often would I like to go there?

For how long would I like to try and pray for?

I challenge you to get away and pray and see what God does in your relationship with Him and in your personal ministry.

If you liked this post share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Follow the Blog Via Email (see top right).