Solitary Place

 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.

—Mark 1:35

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

There is a stark difference between isolation and solitude. Isolation is being alone, away from everyone including God. Solitude is getting away from everyone to be close to God. It was in these solitary places, away from the demands of others, the questions of the disciples, the accusations of the Pharisees, where you met with the Father, to hear His voice only. It was in these solitary places where I imagine you poured out your heart before the Father as we see in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was in these solitary places where you went while it was still dark. I imagine the quietness of the night, the cool dampness of the air, the enveloping blanket of darkness. It was here where you prayed.

Lord, take me deeper with you in the solitary place. I want to develop a rhythm in my life, be it daily or weekly, where I get away while it is still dark to pray. I want to develop a capacity for communion with the Father that takes place long before the rest of the world is awake and before the demands of the day have begun. I want to rest in the quiet stillness with prolonged uninterrupted conversation with You, my Lord. I want to find the insight and wisdom that I need, the direction and answers that I seek, but most of all the warmth and closeness of conversation with a Friend. A Friend who will never leave me and is always ready to meet me, especially in a solitary place.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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