Yet the news about him spread all the more, so crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16
Susanna Wesley was a woman of prayer. As a mother to nineteen children (nine died as infants), she knew the importance of making prayer a priority in her day. The story is told of not only how she taught their children six hours a day, but also would often go to the corner of their cottage, sit down, throw an apron over her head, and begin to pray. The children knew that she was not to be disturbed at that time. Two of her sons, John and Charles, became powerful evangelists, beloved hymn writers, and the founders of the Methodist Movement. Her example of prayer undoubtedly made a huge impact on them as they sought God's direction in their lives.
Jesus experienced the demanding pressures of the crowds that followed him wherever He went. He was like a magnet drawing people who were in need or just curious about the One who was doing miracles of healing. More teaching, more stories, more cures, more rebuking of the religious leaders, more, more, more was what the crowds demanded. Is it no wonder that Jesus and his disciples often went to a solitary place to pray? He would need to "refuel" and spend time with His Father (Mark 1:35 & Matthew 26:36).
In the busyness of our days, we need to remember to do like Susanna Wesley did by following Jesus' pattern of seeking a quiet place for prayer and meditation. Sometime during a 24 hour period each day, slip away and hit the pause button in your life to worship and bring your concerns and petitions to God. Listen also for His still small voice that gives direction and guidance for your day. Let the Holy Spirit teach you, because when you're the busiest that is the time you need it the most to carve out time to pray.
Written by: Lois Dahlstrom