Passage of the Day:
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him,” Matthew 6:5-8.
Reflection:
I didn’t understand the practice and power of solitude until attending a Wilderness Camp in 1993. In the middle of winter, west of Minneapolis, a dozen of future youth pastors had reached their final week of a grueling 7-week Youth Ministry Trade School. I was running on fumes at this moment in time, doing everything in my power to stay warm. Our final assignment was listening to God for 24 hours in solitude. I kept a notebook nearby, to quickly write down any whispers from the Holy Spirit. This time of reflection was life altering looking back on my past, savoring the present and pondering my future assignment. This is what can happen to you if you begin to practice the spiritual discipline of solitude.
Prayerful Action:
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed, Luke 5:15-16.
Working Out Your Salvation:
As a writer, solitude has its benefits and negative aspects. Staring at a blank screen can be painful suffering from writer’s block, thinking about all the fun that you’re missing out on. On the other hand, solitude helps me slow down, be still, listen to God and get in touch with my soul. According to a first century historian, the more popular Jesus became, the harder it was to find a quiet place to unwind and spend with His heavenly Father. Unfortunately, life has only gotten more complicated with modern technology. Before the summer fades into fall, make it your ambition to practice solitude by staying in touch with God.
Song of the Day:
Sometimes songs have dual purposes. While I recently used this song in a previous devotion, may the lyrics of Never Looking Back spark a desire within you to move forward spiritually by adding solitude to your daily agenda.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 