Friday, July 8, 2011

Take Time to Pray by Ann Elaine Broughton


“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31
"After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Mark 6:46

Jesus knew that He needed to have time with God in order to do His will. He was constantly being inundated by people who wanted to be healed. He was surrounded by crowds most of the time so getting alone with God was a precious time to Him. He needed time alone and often went to the mountain for peace and prayer. We too should take his example to heart. I have a tendency to pray on the run, which I believe isn't all that bad, but I also believe that the Lord requires us to seek time alone with Him where there are no distractions. We need to set aside a time each day that all we do is pray and be still before the Lord. The closest I feel to God is when I just sit still in a quiet place and pray to Him from my heart without worrying about anything else. I would urge you to find a quiet place and pick a time in the day when there are no distractions and pray to the Lord. Then quiet your soul and find His peace flow through you. The peace that passeth understanding that only Christ can give. Jesus found it on that mountain and tells us all that we too can find it. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives." John 14:27
Dear Lord,
Help us to seek you without distractions. Help us to be alone with you so that we can feel your peace, a peace that only you can give. It is this way that we can really serve you effectively because those around us will see your peace and know that it comes for you. This world can be so filled with worries, duties, and responsibilities. We know that if we aren't grounded in your love we can never do what is expected of us in the right kind of spirit. Thank you for the promise that you will be with us if we pray. Thank you for your peace.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

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