The Unfair AdvantageSample

Jesus employed a three-part strategy to intentionally build a close relationship with God the Father. He set a time, he had a specific place, and he had an intentional plan. Let me break this down, because I think it will help your relationship with God and your relationship with people.

Jesus had a specific time for prayer. This was something seen in his life, and it is also necessary for each of us who wants to grow and invest in what we’ve been given. If you don’t manage your time, someone else will. Jesus was a master of making his time work for him. We see in Mark 1:35 that Jesus made good use of the predawn hours. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” . . . So, here is my challenge for you: find a time in your day that you can be intentional with, and then make an appointment with God and keep it. Put that quality time on your calendar and be consistent every day. Our greatest goals are not made in a day. They are made through daily commitment.

Jesus also had a specific place where he prayed. Luke 22:39 tells us that, “And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him” (NASB). Luke reported this as if it was common knowledge to the disciples. Jesus had the habit of going to a special place for time with God. . . . Find your own prayer spot, and be sure to remove all distractions so you can truly focus on your relationship with God.

Jesus also had a specific plan when he got alone with God the Father. His prayer life wasn’t random, it was always strategic. When his disciples observed him, they were so blown away by the intensity and intimacy of his prayer life that they asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). It was out of this conversation that Jesus revealed what we now call “the Lord’s Prayer.” . . .

The plan Jesus use and gave us was structured beautifully around an intentional purpose. And, this is just one of many plans seen throughout Scripture of how to engage in a deeper level with God.

Prayer

Father, thank you for creating me to have a relationship with you. I want to deepen that relationship as I seek to honor you throughout my life. Amen.