GET AWAY WITH GOD

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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Today we continue in our study of Jesus’ reply to his disciples’ request for help establishing an open line of communication with God the Father through their times of prayer. We will first reread Jesus’ message on prayer as heard in Luke 11:1-4, and then we will look at a very practical teaching from Jesus that calls us to be intentional about seeking time alone with the Lord. 

Before we do anything else, let’s spend a moment and actually pray the following:

1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation (or lead us not into the time of trial).”

(Luke 11:1-4 NIV11 – parenthetical translation from Ryan Laden)

Biggest obstacle?

What would you say is the biggest obstacle to following the teaching and example of Jesus Christ when it comes to setting aside time to share the truth of your heart and mind with the Lord?

•   Do you feel pressed for time?
•   Do you struggle with questions or doubts about prayer?
•   Do you feel inadequate or underprepared to pray?

Distractions

Certainly each of these issues can be a serious problem. But in my life, and in the life of most people I know and spend time with, the biggest struggle being faced today is that of dealing with our many distractions. 

Jesus Christ gave us some real help on this front when he taught:

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

(Matthew 6:6 NIV11)

Radical

For most of us, if we are going to put this teaching of Jesus Christ into action, we will need to take some radical action. 

We will need to identify our sources of distraction that keep us from sharing our true thoughts, needs, wants, hopes and dreams with the Lord in a time of personal and focused prayer. 

Could you take some real action here?

•   Perhaps you could do what Jesus taught and get alone with the Lord in your room, or in your car, or any other safe space that allows you undistracted time with the Lord. 
•   Maybe you could choose to set aside your phone, tablet, TV remote, or favorite playlist and simply allow yourself to have some one-on-one time with the Lord?
•   Do you have a commute that often drives you crazy? Try turning off the music and news and just spend that time talking to God (keeping your eyes open of course).

Purposeful

•   Time with God needs to be something that we seek out on purpose. 
•   We need to pause and allow the Lord to be our one big focus for a while. 
•   When we get away with the Lord, we have a real opportunity to reset our priorities and to allow the Holy Spirit to speak into our hearts. 
•   Maybe today you can take a step toward this kind of open and meaningful communication with the Lord. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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