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GROWTH

SOLITUDE

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where He prayed.”

We suffer from Hurry Sickness.

Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life.

Hurry will destroy your soul.

It will keep you from life.

Maturity always comes slowly.  You can’t microwave maturity.

Hurry kills love.  Hurry prevents us from receiving love from the Father or giving it to others.

1 John 4: 7-12

Jesus made a priority of Solitude.

Mark 1: 21-39     Luke 6: 12-16

Mark 6: 30-32    Matthew 14: 6-13    26: 36-46

Jesus was often busy but never hurried.

His life was marked by a regular rhythm of withdrawal from activity for solitude and prayer.

He taught His followers to do the same.  Mark 6: 31

If you want to follow someone, you can’t go faster than the one who is leading.

Luke 6: 12-19

Part of a day in the life of Jesus:

Notice how it starts

  • Solitude.  Prayer.  Time with the Father
  • Community
  • Ministry

What is Solitude?

Solitude is not about doing something.

It’s about being alone with God.

In that quiet place it’s good to place everything in God’s hands. Ask for His strength and wisdom.

Above all, open yourself – your mind, emotions and will to God’s love.

 

Think about the last week.

  • Times you were stressed
  • Times you were sharp
  • Niggles, resentments
  • Rushing too much
  • Christmas stress

Because we don’t make Solitude a priority

Don’t give up!

Pursuing solitude will often feel like a waste of time.

But remember!  Hurry is the enemy of your relationship with God.

“For many years I was bothered by the thought that I was a failure at prayer.  Then one day I realised I would always be a failure at prayer and I’ve got along much better ever since”

                                     “The Practice of the Presence of God”

This week

  • Acknowledge God’s presence when you wake up.  Thank Him for giving you a new day.  Open your heart to His love.  Invite Him to be with you through the day.
  • Take one activity at a time.  If your mind starts racing to the next thing, stop.  Entrust it to God.  Return to the moment.
  • Enjoy your food more.  Pray as you drive or take the bus.

      Keep a sense of humour.

  • Take a few moments each day to ask “Am I going faster than the One who is leading?”
  • Listen to the people you’re having conversations with.  Pray for them.  See if you can make it through an entire conversation without interrupting.
  • Before going to sleep reflect on the day.  Ask forgiveness where you messed up.  Hand your worries over to God.  Rest in His grace.

 

Go for it!

 

 

 

 

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