Solitary Prayer

Jesus spent time in solitary prayer to refresh and strengthen himself. Follow His example. Be like Him.

Jesus often sought solitude after doing many good works. For example, on one occasion He cast an unclean spirit out of a man, healed Peter’s mother-in-law, and then healed all those who were soon brought to Him. What did He do after all this? “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed (Mark 1:35).” He spent time in solitary prayer!

On another occasion, Jesus healed a leper. Upon doing so, “…the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed (Luke 5:15-16).” No doubt Jesus was weary after great multitudes came near Him, seeking Him. Upon finding refuge, He again spent time in solitary prayer.

One Sabbath Day Jesus healed a man who had a withered hand. In those days, Luke records, “He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).” He spent all night in solitary prayer, preparing to select the twelve apostles (Luke 6:13ff.).

There was a time when Jesus took His “inner circle” to pray. Peter, John, and James accompanied Him as He was soon transfigured before them (Luke 9:28ff.).

There were times when Jesus prayed alone; there were times that He prayed with His close circle of friends. There may be times when we pray in solitary, and there may be times when we pray with our close circle of Christian friends. In either case our purpose must be to communicate to God, not to appear “religious” before others. Jesus said, “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6).”

God hears the earnest prayers of those who are His. Have you included yourself in that number?

Salvation:  Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully