One of my favorite things to do is spend time in silence to hear God and listen to the quiet voice within. A few years ago, I started visiting monasteries and convents to spend time in absolute silence. There is no television, radio, or even clocks. I would leave my cell phone locked in my car so that I could focus. I would only take my Bible and a journal to write. It was a time for me to be still and know God (Psalm 46:10). I would spend days at a time with no conversation, just praying and listening for God. It’s been pre-COVID since I’ve had the opportunity to spend some significant time away for reflection and restoration in complete silence. When I’ve had the time, it’s usually not for extended periods. I’m looking forward to going away really soon to spend time in the presence of God. For those of us who are always giving to others in our homes, houses of worship, or in our businesses/careers, or relationships, it is critical to find the time to get away, alone and in absolute silence to hear. Many of us miss the move of God because we have not created the space for silence and prayer.
I’ll never forget this one day when my daughter was a little girl. I remember asking her if she could hear the birds outside. The chirping sounds were beautiful and so close to the bedroom window. No matter how quiet the room was or how much I eliminated any noises or distractions, she replied, “I still can’t hear them, momma.” It wasn’t until she allowed herself to be still, clear her thoughts, and let go that she was able to hear them. I am often reminded of how often we miss God because we have not created the space for prayer time and reflection. We often can’t hear God because we are not in position to receive a Word that is often so close like those birds.
Positioning ourselves for prayer is critical. It’s also how we receive fuel or power to do more. Mark 1:35-39 states,” It was very early in the morning and still dark. Jesus got up and left the house. He went to a place where he could be alone. There he prayed. 36 Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus. 37 When they found him, they called out, “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let’s go somewhere else. I want to go to the nearby towns. I must preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled all around Galilee. He preached in their synagogues. He also drove out demons.” Sometimes, we need to leave those we love and care about behind. It allows us to take care of ourselves and as a result, they benefit from our personal stewardship and our relationship with God. Jesus took time when the probability of distractions was so limited so that he could pray, and he left to go to a place of solitude. After praying, notice that Jesus was able to fulfill his purpose because of the power of prayer first. He was able to perform His gift and deal with those who were toxic. Your power is connected to your prayer life and your soul needs solitude to recharge so that you can deal with whatever comes your way. As a child, I remember the elders of the church would say, “Little prayer, little power. Lot of prayer, lot of power.”
Just as cellphones must be connected to the source to be charged, how are you reconnecting to the source (God) for your power? Is your battery low and if so, it’s time to get away, even if for a moment to reconnect and recharge in the presence of God?
“Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” (Mark 6:31-32)
Go by yourself to a solitary place and pray.