The Power of the Lonely Place
Luke 5:16 (NIV)
“Cultivate a habit of communion with God. This will prepare you for whatever may happen.” - John Flavel
1. The Power of Priority
Luke 5:16 (NIV)
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Mark 1:35 (NIV)
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.
Luke 6:12 (NIV)
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
- Make it obvious
- Make it attractive
- Make it easy
- Make it satisfying
2. Power of Place
Luke 5:16 (NIV)
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:15–16 (NIV)
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
3. Power in Private Made Public
Mark 1:32–45 (NIV)
That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. 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. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
“That early morning of prayer explains the evening of power." - C. H. Spurgeon, “Before Day-Break with Christ"
