Making the Time

I tend to talk to God off and on throughout the day as different things come up in life. I think of a friend who's hurting and struggling, and I pray that my Comforter would intervene and shelter her. I see a beautiful sunrise, and I thank the Creator for it. I mess up yet again, and I repent to my Savior and Redeemer and ask for forgiveness. I hear of a sickness or a need, and I bring it before my Healer and Provider.

I know there isn't a magic formula for prayer. I know there's no required time, place, or way that we have to pray. I know we can talk to our Father at any time and in any place. But sometimes I realize that while I've thrown out popcorn prayers throughout the day, I haven't ever slowed down, got away, and set aside specific, dedicated time to spend one on one with my Daddy. Time to get to know Him. Time to really communicate with Him.

As I've been reading through the gospels over the last few weeks, I was noticing how many times Jesus physically withdrew from the crowds, withdrew from serving, and even sometimes withdrew from His own disciples...to spend time in prayer.

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

I can't even imagine how busy Jesus must have been. People were clamoring for his attention all the time. He'd try to escape on occasion for a little just to catch His breath and rest, and somehow the crowds of people always seemed to find Him. And even when He did get away from the crowds for a few minutes, He had His disciples there with Him. They were constantly watching His every move to learn from Him and follow Him step by step. And yet, He made determined efforts to set dedicated time aside just to talk with His Father. 

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. 

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

It's made me think.  Am I carving out sufficient time to really grow in my relationship with Christ?  Am I quieting the noise of my life enough to actually be able to hear God speak...to hear His answers?  Am I even taking the time to listen for His response?  While I think it's important to recognize God and talk with Him throughout the day, I'm also being reminded that, as in any good relationship, it's also important to spend quality time in face to face dialogue...in heart to heart deeper communication. 

So I'm sure this will end up being a life long evaluation, but it's an important question none-the-less...  

Am I making the time to withdraw and pray?