Lonely Places

Grace for All

Pray Always

Luke 5:16 (NIV)

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

As I read this verse, I was struck by the terminology “lonely places.” To me, “lonely places” is the more negative counterpart to “quiet solitude.” But when we read this passage in its broader context, we learn that it comes at the end of the story of Jesus healing the leper. After healing him, Jesus tells the man not to go around talking about what has happened, but inevitably, word gets out, and crowds form, wanting healing and to hear what Jesus has to say. I don’t blame them, though — surely if any of us were around when Jesus was walking the earth, we would want to witness him firsthand, too!

But at the same time, I’m sure that Jesus was in a pretty lonely place. We so often think about Jesus being surrounded by his followers, and while considering his divinity, we might forget his humanity. But as is often said, “It’s lonely at the top.” I can only imagine that healing, preaching, and meeting the needs of everyone around him, especially doing so basically by himself, with no one else who could truly understand what he is going through, it had to be unbelievably lonely.

But there was someone who understood. God the Father understood. God was there, walking with Jesus, and it was through prayer — quiet, private prayer — that he felt that reassuring presence.

I don’t know about you, but even with the burdens I have to bear, infinitesimal when compared to those of Jesus of course, I need to withdraw. It is comforting to know that even our Lord, who had the power to heal people with a mere touch, had the same need. But even more comforting is knowing that God is just as available to me — and to you— through prayer as he was to Jesus.

I invite you to pray with me now.

Holy God, you are our respite amid the chaos. Thank you for providing us calm when no one and nothing else does. Help keep us mindful that, when we get to the lonely places where we think no one else understands what we’re going through that, just like Jesus, we can withdraw and pray to you. With grateful spirits we pray, amen.

This devotion was written and read by Dwight Dockery.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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