And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)
— Mark 6:31, NASB95
The words “come away” from the above verse always resonate in my soul when I read them. I suppose because it is so difficult in this world to find the time and the secluded places to rest, to come away, to simply be without getting something on the old to do list done.
I spent all of 2015 reading books on prayer during my devotional reading time in the mornings. That habit has spilled over into 2016. I want so very much to learn at a deep, deep level what it means to pray without ceasing, to always be conscious through prayer of the presence of the amazing God of this universe. And it is obvious, at least to me, that prayer and coming away are connected.
I think this is one of the reasons that the creative Bible journaling practice has called to me from the first moment I heard about it. It is a practice that seeks to draw individuals deeper into the word of God and to find in it that secluded place of rest. A place to be with Jesus.
What helps you to “come away” with Jesus to a secluded place? I hope you’ll share.
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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Reading this, it struck me that so often we say we’re going to GO away (for a vacation, a time of meditation or reflection, a “getaway”), but Jesus says COME away. I love that he calls us INTO prayer WITH Him, into His presence. Wonderful words, Robin.
Thanks, Deb, for sharing what struck you. Wonderful addition.
Even Jesus got away to pray.
Have you read the book War Room? It’s a great testament to how important prayer is for everyone.
I haven’t read the book, War Room, but I saw the movie. Powerful and convicting and inspiring.
Now that my children are grown it is easier to “come away” to a quiet time and place, but when they were smaller I made it a point to get up before anyone else for my quiet time with God. It became such a habit that I have continued it all these years. I love beginning my day alone with God.
Shirley
Shirley, I have tried having my dedicated quiet time later in the day. It just doesn’t work for me. I always have my quiet time first thing upon rising.
Come away to me means to persue God. In my morning devotions I write my prayers as though it were a letter to God. I have always had a wondering mind and this is how I can focus best and concentrate on God. . I pray short prayers verbally through out the day but in the morning it is always best for me to peruse God this way.
Shirley, I focus better when I write things down too.
I’ve been wanted to pray in deeper ways too, Robin. My Jewish friends turn off all their computers and phones for 24 hours on the Sabbath, making it a quiet day free from outside distractions. This has helped me enormously!
Good suggestion, Lynn. Although I make a conscious effort to make Sunday my day of rest (meaning I don’t write), I haven’t made it a practice to totally disengage from the world. Hmm.
I just got my oldest a journaling Bible and she’s loving it. I know it would frustrate me — because I’d want time to create beautiful images — and my skills just not there 🙂
Quiet, worshipful, meditative music helps me to “come away.” I need to make use of it more often!
Thank you so much for this wonderful post, Robin, encouraging me to do what God’s told me to lately!
Blessings!