Jim Burns Homeword Daily Devotional for Parenting and Christian Family

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HomeWord - Mar. 8, 2011

Slow Down!
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
“Be still and know that I am God.”—Psalm 46:10

Oftentimes, Jesus stepped away for solitude and prayer.

At Spiritual Moments: Jesus prayed after he was baptized in the Jordan river. As He prayed, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. Luke 3:21-22

Important Decisions:  Jesus went to the mountain to pray. Jesus sought His Father’s counsel before He chose the twelve disciples. Luke 6:12-16

For Solitude: Mark tells of a story of Jesus stepping away.  After He fed the 5,000, He sent His disciples ahead and retreated to the mountainside to pray. Mark 6:29-31

To Mourn: After Jesus heard of John the Baptist’s death, He stepped away to take some time alone. Matthew 14:13

Giving Thanks: As Jesus sat with His disciples at the Last Supper, He broke bread and gave thanks to God the Father. Matthew 26:26-27

For Others: Jesus sat with His disciples and taught them how to pray. He also took time to pray for Himself, the disciples and future believers. John 16 & 17

Times of Hardship: Before Jesus was sent to the cross, He prayed that God the Father would take the cup of hardship from Him. Ultimately, He prayed that the Lord’s will would be done, even if it meant His own pain and suffering. Luke 22:39-45

These are some examples of Jesus’ taking time to pray and be still. If you are anything like me, the busier and more stressed you get, the less time you are willing to make for the Lord. I jump into “doer” or “planner” mode when what I should really be doing is slowing down.

SLOW DOWN! Jesus lived a life marked by prayer. He is the example we should follow. Today’s verse, Psalm 46:10, sits in a small frame in my bathroom to remind me that the only way I will make it is if I am willing to take some time at the Father’s feet. For me, sometimes this means praying, while other times it means singing. But, mostly I become still. In the stillness, I reflect on Who God is and what my purpose is.

Whenever life’s challenges, triumphs or bland times come your way, be still and know that He is God!

GOING DEEPER:

1. When are times you pray? How has spending time with the Lord aided in your day?

2. How does reflecting on Jesus’ prayer life motivate you to spend more time being still and praying? How does it emphasize the importance of prayer?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 69:12-14; Luke 22:39-45; John 17:20-28 

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