Following Jesus

     The crowds followed Jesus. His closest disciples followed Jesus. Even in the midst of a crowd of thousands He would stop to heal just one. And, often, He would slip away where He could not be followed. He needed time with His Father.

At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for Him and when they came to where He was, they tried to keep Him from leaving them.  Luke 4:42

 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.  Mark 1:35

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.  Luke 5:16   

     We can learn from Jesus as we face the day ahead. Giving God priority in our busy lives will give us strength to do everything we need to do with greater purpose and hope. God can fill us with His Spirit and help us to see who and what is most important throughout the day. When do we need to stop and give thanks? When do we need to listen and encourage? When do we need to pause before we speak?

     Spend time in solitude with your Father in heaven today and gain the wisdom and strength for the day.

Dear Jesus,

Teach us how to pray. We need our alone time with the Father, just as You did. Give us the discipline to find solitary time with You and fill us with Your Holy Spirit.

Amen