SOLITARY PLACE

(based on Mark 1:35-37)

These verses cause such a feeling of peace. Come along with my imagination.

It is early morning. Very early and still dark. Do you see Jesus?

Look close at the door. There he is. He is coming out. But where is he going? Why this early? Everyone is still asleep and for sure the coffee shops are not open. What could be so important to get up before the rooster crowed? Why is Jesus not taking one of the disciples with him?

Picture Jesus slowly walking to the edge of town. Calmly putting one foot in front of the other. Slowly but with determination. Jesus is a man on a mission.

Why is he stopping there? What is he doing? Oh!

Ever so gently, Jesus lifts his eyes toward heaven. Then he bows his head.

Jesus prays.

There is no record of what Jesus said. It only says he went off to a solitary place where he prayed. What is important is he prayed.

Can you picture him? His shoulders relaxed. His hands clasped and resting softly in his lap. Taking time to talk with God his Father. Sometimes looking up and smiling. Sometimes the smile being replaced with a look of concern.

Do you hear him praying for -- praying for all of God's sons and daughters?

Off by himself until Simon and his companions find him and exclaim, "Everyone is looking for you!"

I can picture them trying to find Jesus, but the search will have to be another story.

This vision is of Jesus when he went off to a solitary place and prayed.

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

Jesus went off and prayed.

It could happen to you. Do you go off and pray?

This text is not the only reference to Jesus praying. He prayed in a solitary place, on a mountainside, in a garden and on a cross. Jesus prayed to his Father and he prayed for Simon. Jesus taught us the Lord's Prayer. Jesus prayed for himself, the disciples and believers.

Jesus took prayer seriously. Do you?

"You don't understand. I am really busy and the day quickly slips away."

"I don't know what to say. I don't have the right words."

"Do I have to fold my hands? Do I have to raise them? "

My goodness, you are trying to make something really simple very complicated. How about we go over the basics?

There is no right and wrong position. You can pray in bed before you wake up or you can kneel beside your bed. You can pray sitting down or standing up. You can pray in church, in your home, in your car and outdoors. God does not care where you pray.

Your hands are free to be hands. They may lie in your lap. They may wave in the air. They can be lifted high or they can be under your head as you go to sleep. God does not care about the position of your hands.

Now let's tackle the words to use. News Flash: God only wants to hear you talk to him. He wants to hear you marvel at this world he has created for you to enjoy. He wants to hear your questions. He wants to take your concerns and your worries. God sincerely wants to hear, "Can we talk?" God doesn't care what words you use.

Jesus prayed. Do you?