“Time Out for Jesus”
The Importance of Solitude
In the Gospel of Matthew, we witness Jesus demonstrating this practice amidst a whirlwind of activity. He frequently takes time to step away from the crowds, sending his disciples on ahead while he retreats to a mountain top to pray alone. This deliberate act of finding quiet is not merely a break from the chaos—it is a powerful reminder for us to prioritize our own time with God.
Making Time for Prayer
We live in a world that constantly demands our attention, filled with noise, technology, and endless tasks. However, just as Jesus made time to disconnect from his surroundings, we are encouraged to do the same. Setting aside time to engage in personal prayer is not just a routine; it is a vital component of spiritual growth. When we take a ‘time out’ to connect with God, we cultivate a deeper relationship and gain clarity in our lives.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Let us take inspiration from Jesus’s example. In the face of life’s busyness, it is crucial to establish moments of solitude, prioritizing prayer away from distractions. Don’t leave this aspect of your spiritual journey to chance. Make the effort to carve out time, unplug from technology, and move into communion with God. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of prayer and spiritual renewal.
1st Scripture Reading
Psalm 105:1-6
Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
3 Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
4 Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
6 O seed of Abraham His servant,
You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!
Psalm 105:16-22
16 Moreover He called for a famine in the land;
He destroyed all the provision of bread.
17 He sent a man before them—
Joseph—who was sold as a slave.
18 They hurt his feet with fetters,
He was laid in irons.
19 Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the Lord tested him.
20 The king sent and released him,
The ruler of the people let him go free.
21 He made him lord of his house,
And ruler of all his possessions,
22 To bind his princes at his pleasure,
And teach his elders wisdom.
2nd Scripture Reading
Mark 1:35-39
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”
39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.
3rd Scripture Reading
Matthew 14:22-33
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw [e]that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”