The Jesus Bible Reading PlanNäide

PERSONAL WORSHIP

The psalmist’s affection for God and his great need of God’s help combined to become a beautiful example of personal worship. The psalmist approached God, savoring his goodness and power as the answers to his heart’s hunger and thirst (Ps 63:5). All through the night, the psalmist privately contemplated and remembered God as his help, protector, advocate and provider (vv. 6 – 8).

In a similar way, Jesus had a habit of private prayer. He regularly withdrew from others to commune with God (Mk 1:35). In the theological mystery of the Trinity, God the Son desired behind-the-scenes time with God the Father. He got up very early in the morning to secure intimate moments of worshipful gratitude and submission to the Father’s will. In this way, Jesus modeled the importance of approaching God as an individual — above and beyond corporate gatherings of worship. Private prayer, intimate thanksgiving and nonpublic praise are essential disciplines of the Christian life.

Jesus, help me to prioritize private prayer. I want to spend time alone with you, talking and listening. Amen.