Finding the Solitude for Prayer

Finding solitude for prayer can be challenging.  If you live in the country, it might be easier than if you live in the city.

Jesus himself found it challenging to find the right spot for prayer.  St. Mark wrote about Jesus:  "In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.  And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, 'Everyone is searching for you.'"  Mark 1:35-36  Where can you go where there will be peace and quiet, and where there will be no interruptions?  For most of us, it's not easy in today's world.

I find it challenging myself even when at home.  There always seems to be noise from a construction truck, noise from the fire truck going down the street, and noise from a neighbor that infringes on the solitude I am seeking to achieve when I want time with God and for prayer.

At least, I do think that we need to find a suitable place where we can bring our attention to God.  If it has to be at home, then we need to discover the best time of day.  It isn't easy and there will always be a myriad of forces trying to impinge on our private time with God.   Be ready to overcome it and make that divine connection - regardless.  It will be well worth it.

Praying in the Spirit

Are you praying with full reliance on God's power when you pray?  A verse from Ephesians popped out at me as I was reading through this letter.  Here is where the apostle Paul wrote:  "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." Eph. 6:18

When Paul wrote about praying in the Spirit, I believe he means that we are not to take lightly this activity of prayer.  We are not to pray as if prayer is some type of magical incantation.  Praying in the Spirit means that we take seriously our activity of prayer.  We believe that when we make a request, our prayers will ascend to the throne of God and that we will be given every consideration by God in what we have said.

When you pray, do you feel that you are praying in a way where there is a sense of majesty and power through your very words?  Do you pray as if you are connecting directly to the greatest force in the world? Praying in the Spirit will make all the difference.