Time Alone with our Heavenly Father

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. . .

  1. 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.

  2. 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.”

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  1. Sixth, Don’t rush off. Give the Heavenly Father time to speak to you.

Now, you are ready to begin your day.

Author: Mel Hooten

Pastor Mel Hooten has 45 years’ experience in Christian ministry. Since retiring from serving as a traditional church pastor in 2008, God has led him back to his roots to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world of ranchers, rodeo riders, cowboys and cowgirls who often do not feel comfortable in traditional church. Folks who love western heritage, county music, working with livestock, or cowboys at heart who prefer a simple down-to-earth approach to life; these are those to whom Mel seeks out. Pastor Mel has served as a church planter for the Western Heritage division of Texas Baptists to start the Cowboy Church of Tarrant County near Fort Worth, Texas. Currently Mel wants to continue to bring good news to those who seek the truth and make available his Bible messages, devotionals, and lessons for those who preach and teach. Mel brings a simple gospel message with a western flair. In addition, God uses him to teach practical ways to ride the range with Jesus every day. The trails of life will bring us to rivers that must be crossed and steep hills we can’t climb alone. With Jesus, we can weather the storms and ride through the valleys. He will give guidance and provisions when we get bucked off. Indeed, there is a trail that leads home. Mel’s mission is to help every person he encounters to find it. Mel and his wife, Karen, currently live in Aubrey, Texas. They like to travel in their RV and enjoy the great outdoors with their grandchildren. They are available for ministry wherever God leads them.