At that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the night praying to God.”
Luke 6:12
In my busy life I am often challenged to find a quiet place to pray. From the moment my feet hit the floor in the morning until the moment my head hits that pillow again at night, it seems there isn’t any peace and quiet. Phones ringing, kids needing something, dogs barking; quiet isn’t found in my house. Though Jesus didn’t live in the midst of our modern day chaos, He didn’t have any quiet around Him either.
Luke shows us that Jesus often sought a secluded place to pray, away from the crowds and the bustle of his days on earth. Luke 6 specifically tells us that our Lord prayed all night. I would guess that you and I have a hard time praying for 15 minutes, let alone all night. Jesus was so in touch with the Father that He wanted to spend time alone with Him. Could that be said of us? Do you yearn to spend time with God in prayer?
On this particular night God, the Father, was showing Jesus, the Son, who should be the chosen 12 disciples. This major decision would affect the rest of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and He wanted God’s direction. This decision would shape Christianity for all time.
When major decisions come in your life what do you do? Do you wring your hands and worry? Do you seek out a trusted friend? Do you take it to God in a time of concerted prayer?
God is always ready to listen, but it takes effort on our part to talk to Him. We must be willing to get up early or stay up late to find a quiet room in the house. Using your lunch break to sit in your car and pray is another option. Be creative about finding a quiet time in your day. Ask God to show you a time and place to be with Him.
