April 23

Time Well Spent

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 59:1-5 | Judges 1:1-2:9 | Luke 21:29-22:13 | Proverbs 13:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 21

Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple (Luke 21:37-38).

The cross was drawing nearer and nearer. Ministry was taking place daily. After a day of teaching in the temple, Jesus finds one of his favorite places to pray. He gets away to the Mount of Olives to spend the night in fellowship with his Father through prayer.

Likely weary from a day of teaching and ministry, Jesus finds a solitary place—and as was his practice—he spends extended time in prayer. Clearly this is a pattern rooted in delight rather than duty—this is a time and place set apart to enjoy fellowship with his Father in prayer.

In so doing, Jesus once again reminds us of the importance of prayer. It was clearly a priority in his life, even when life was busy with ministry activity; even when life was stressful. Even when he must have been weary after a full day of teaching, he shows deep commitment to finding time to pray.

Surely Jesus commitment to pray is also a testimony to the delight Jesus found in prayer. Such commitment reveals a heart that is motivated by delight more than duty. Prayer is intimate fellowship with the Father: an opportunity to pour out his heart; an opportunity to listen; a time to be refreshed and refocused in preparation for the ministry of the coming day.

May you find the delight that Jesus did in finding a quiet place to pray. Enjoy time in the presence of the father. Pour out your heart, listen, be refreshed and refocused in the presence of the Father who loves you deeply and who also delights in such times of fellowship.

Dear Heavenly Father, let me find the joy and delight of time spent in your presence. Like Jesus help me to find quiet places where I can spend time in fellowship with you. As I pour out my heart to you, refresh me and prepare me for the day. Refocus me, give me direction and empower me for the day ahead. Amen.