In Matthew and Luke, Jesus’ disciples recorded He went to a solitary place to pray. He modeled taking time to be with the Father – communing with Him. Jesus went to the mountains or wilderness for 9-12 hours then. This solitary prayer gave Him re-connection with the Father and rest for the body. Possibly Jesus slept during some of this time to allow His human body to recover and prepare. During these times of solitary prayer, He most often went by Himself, but His disciples knew what He was doing. Twice Jesus took three disciples. He modeled solitary prayer for them.
In Mark 6:30-32, Jesus led the disciples to have a time of solitude. He told them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” They had been so busy they had had little time to eat. When the disciples returned, they drew near to Jesus. Afterwards He led them to rest. In the Bible, “drawing near” means – continually coming to be with God – speaking to and receiving from Him. The secluded place of Mark 6:31 means “lonely place.” Jesus’ times of solitary prayer were in secluded places. Jesus sent the disciples in a boat away from people – to rest.
Jesus taught about solitary prayer in Matthew 6:6, modeled it in Matthew 14:23 and Luke 5:16, 6:12, & 9:28. He commanded them to get away to a lonely place in Mark 6:31. Solitary prayer is “drawing near” to God.
Jesus was an excellent teacher. We can learn from Him. Do you take time to get away, commune with the Father, and receive rest? Solitariness affects your whole being – body, mind, and spirit.
Jesus, lead us to take time each day to receive revival and rejuvenation from You, the source of our strength.
By Gail Davis
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