Rushed lives. Demanding schedules. Pressure to perform. In a world consumed by the-next-best-thing, we berate ourselves when we fail to cross off the items on our daily checklist. But what if there is a better way? A way to connect with God through stillness and prayer?

Jesus’ Example of Stillness and Prayer

Christ sought solitude for multiple reasons. His stillness in prayer helped Him to:

create a pattern of faith.  So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. (Luke 5:16 NKJV)

make key decisions. Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles. (Luke 6:12-13)

recover from the demands of ministry. Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. (Mark 6:30-32)

prepare for spiritual attack. Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. (Luke 4:1-2 NKJV)

mourn and grieve. So he [the King] sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and sukhe brought it to her mother. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. (John 14:10-13 NKJV)

face persecution and death. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. (Luke 22:41-42 NKJV)

Connecting with God Through Stillness and Prayer

A powerful tool  that can help us strengthen our connection with the Lord, we too can pray to the Heavenly Father in times of need or in the mundane of each day. Through prayer, we can express our deepest desires,  seek guidance and clarity, and experience the gift of relationship with the One who longs for our best.

A few simple ways to to develop connections through prayer and stillness include:

• creating a sacred space or area where you regularly meet. I have a favorite “prayer chair” in my bedroom while my husband enjoys praying in the comfort of his office.
• inviting the Lord to help you quiet your mind. You may want to keep a tablet of paper nearby. If any thoughts distract you, write a note and set it aside.
• read through a scripture or verse and ask the Lord what He wants to teach you. Wait and listen.

The Benefits of Practicing Stillness and Prayer