Restorative Prayer 

As we continue in our series, Following Jesus, we dive into the practice of prayer and more specifically this week, the place and pace of prayer. Let’s pray...
 
Dear God, we thank You for this day. Would You open our hearts to see the power that prayer can have in our lives when we prioritize time alone with You? In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
 
Matthew 14:22-23 (NLT)
²² Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. ²³ After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
²⁴ Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
 
How often do you come home from a day of frustration just to sink into a vice? Where do you go to find restoration?  
 
It was a long day of healing, teaching, and miraculous feeding. Jesus was in pain dealing with the death of John the Baptist, and yet had a full plate. Instead of going out with his disciples in the boat, He sent them ahead. Jesus then retreated to the mountain in solitude. Jesus was God in the flesh, human. It’s quite possible He was physically and emotionally exhausted, yet He climbed the mountain and sought alone time in prayer with His Father.
 
Where can you find time in your day to pause, find solitude, and just be with the Lord?  
 
There is something soul mending about ending a day of chaos in the presence of the Father. There are many distractions in this life that fool us into thinking they are restful, but the only place in this life we can find true rest is in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Our cheap imitation of rest is like a man who drinks saltwater to quench his thirst. The rest that Jesus offers is the kind that heals the soul. Just as He said to the Samaritan woman at the well, He offers the living water. A place where we can find peace, where we can let go of all the burdens we choose to carry and lay them at His feet.  
 
Jesus modeled the perfect example of how to handle the days that never seem to end. He was excellent at seeking solitude in the moments it mattered. Often, we run to isolation in avoidance, but the example Jesus sets is perfect solitude.  
 
When life is crazy, we are invited to use restorative prayer to heal our tired hearts. This is a time where we can allow God to move in our lives. I encourage you to take this time seriously, to make it a priority that no matter what fires come in your day, you can climb the mountain and find restoration in the presence of the Father. As you pray today, feel free to use the following prompt to help you get started.
 
Dear Father, I run to You in the times I need healing. I thank You for...
 
When your day goes late and you begin to feel weary, I challenge you to keep the light on, go to your secret place, and seek rest in prayer. Be blessed!