Have you noticed the number of times the Gospel writers mentioned Jesus slipping away so He could be alone with His Father?
• After feeding the 5000— Matthew 14:23.
• Before appointing the twelve apostles— Luke 6:12.
• Jesus’ withdrew “to the mountain by himself alone”— John 6:15.
• The High Priestly Payer of Jesus— John 17.
It strikes me that if Jesus needed those times to be alone with His Father, then it certainly behooves us with our human frailties to daily seek out those times too.
If you don’t already have a scheduled time to be alone with the Father, then here are some simple and practical suggestions as to how you might begin and maintain a meaningful and personal devotional time alone with Him. . .
- First, know that your relationship with God is a love relationship. He loves you and desires to spend time with you. You are His child and He loves you to call upon His name. This was the regular activity of Jesus; may it be ours as well.
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Second, plan a scheduled time to be alone with your Father. I would suggest setting aside at least thirty minutes early every morning when your mind is fresh and clear. The Psalmist says in Psalm 5:3 “… in the morning I will order my prayer to You, and eagerly watch.”
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Third, find a quiet place where you can be alone without distractions. Jesus said enter into your closet and pray (see Matthew 6:6). That simply means find a place where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to heaven. Jesus sought out places where He could be alone with His Father, and so should we.
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Fourth, spend a few moments being quiet before God. The Bible says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This is a most precious time for me. It’s a time that prepares my heart, mind and soul to pray and talk to the Lord. The Bible tells us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6.
5. Fifth, Open God’s Word. I have discovered the best and most rewarding way to read the Bible is with a systematic reading plan. Many are available. Most study Bibles have suggested plans. The internet and many good Bible apps have downloadable Scripture reading plans. I’ve included a couple on my website. Find one that works for you and plan to make a daily habit of using it.
You may also want to read from a good daily devotional book, a poem or hymn. It is a time of personal worship.
- Sixth, Don’t rush off. Give the Heavenly Father time to speak to you.
Now, you are ready to begin your day.