Mark 1:35 “And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there.”  Do you have a special place to pray?  Jesus did and he often found a quiet place where he could communicate directly with the Father without interruption.  He didn’t take his cell phone or iPad and he didn’t have ear buds stuck in his ears.  He wanted to be alone in a place where he could meet with his Father.  Chuck Swindoll said, “I’m convinced that a major reason we are so lax in prayer is that we have never prepared a place to meet with God.”  Elijah had a special place at Mount Carmel where he could separate himself from the crowd of people.  He temporarily disconnected from people, removed distractions and humbled himself before God.  Daniel prayed in his upper room and opened his heart to God. 

Do you have a special place where you can meet with God in privacy and quietness?  It may be an office, a prayer closet or special spot.  It may well be a place outside.  Many nights, I have gone outside to look up into the heavens and poured out my heart to God.  When I have had a lot of issues facing me when I drive, I turn off the radio in the vehicle and just pray.  I tell the Lord, “Here I am again and it’s just the two of us, so here is what is on my heart and I want to hear you speak to me.”  I have done the same thing when I jog and there is an oak tree at the end of the driveway where I start by saying, “Lord, it’s me again and let’s talk.”  I don’t run any faster or easier, but the refreshment for my spiritual life far exceeds the refreshment (or exhaustion) of my physical life.  Find a special place where you can be alone with God and I promise you will hear from Him.

Quote: “Your cell phone has already replaced your watch, camera, calendar, iPod and lap top.  Don’t let it replace your prayer time alone with God.”