Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

Matthew, Mark, and John were all eyewitnesses to the spectacular miracle of Jesus, and Peter walking on water. Jesus just performed the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 and sought a time of solitude and prayer with His Father. He sent the disciples in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee.The ensuing storm brought opportunities for Jesus to teach the disciples new lessons in faith. The storms in our lives bring these same truths to light.

LEARN

Right after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, when many would simply rejoice and celebrate, Jesus left the crowds to be alone on the mountain and privately pray. Jesus prayed before His baptism, transfiguration, arrest, and crucifixion (Luke 3:21-22; 9:28-29; Matthew 26:36-45).All these stories reveal a principle that lay at the foundation of Jesus' life: He prioritized prayer over everything.

Prayer is essential in this life. If God commands us to pray, that undoubtedly tells us it is of the most significant benefit. Too often, we look at God's commandments through a negative lens, but they are not meant to oppress us; they are meant to be a faith discipline that produces wonderful benefits in life. No matter how busy or exhausted we are or who demands our attention, personal prayer must be prioritized over everything!

APPLY

Solitude is an opportunity to open our lives and souls to Him for whom we were made. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 55:17, "Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice."While many believers sincerely desire to spend time with God in prayer, few do so with the intention that God deserves. Spiritual discipline is necessary to make prayer a priority in our lives. Prayer should occupy a place in the heart and a place in the home. While every believer does not need a prayer closet (Matt.6:6), just like Jesus, all believers should have a place of solitude; a place that is free from distraction to pray in private. How can we discipline ourselves this week to create a personal habit of being devoted to prayer over every other activity of the day?