Prayer Challenge
28 Days of Prayer
- Setting aside distractions
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone (Matthew 14:23)
Devotional
In Matthew 14:23, Jesus had just finished feeding 5000 people and then sent them home. Then He sends His disciples in a boat to the other side of the sea. Jesus then climbed a mountain by Himself to spend time in prayer with His Father, and He stayed late into the night.
Wow, can you see how important prayer was for Jesus? Not only was prayer important for Him, but prayer without distractions. Jesus went to great lengths, even though He had just finished a long day with over 5000 people feeding them and ministering to them. Yet, even after all of that, He wanted to go and spend time with His Father.
We live in a world full of distractions! It is often hard to just turn off your phone or TV to sit and talk with a family member because we are so worried that we will miss something, let alone find a moment to stop and pray. We have to intentionally clear everything out of our way even after a long, busy day filled with people and no rest. Jesus knew that His relationship with the Father took precedence over all the other distractions in life. Jesus knew the value of prayer.
Do you know the true value of prayer? What is it you need to put aside so you can spend consistent time with your Heavenly Father? Today ask God to help you see that the distractions in life are just that … distractions.
Heavenly Father, help us turn off the phone, shut off the TV, reschedule that appointment, to set aside some time even after a busy day to spend with you. Forgive us for the times that we have ignored you or made excuses about how busy we are, too busy to stop and talk with you. Help us to get rid of those things that consistently keep us from you. Father, thank you for never being too distracted to spend time with us. Help us to value our time with you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Parent Prompt
What are some things that are always fighting for our attention? What do we allow to distract us from what is really important?
In the midst of what might be a crazy week, take some time today as a family to put the phones away, turn off the TV and spend some time together; go for a walk, have an intentional dinner together, or go on an adventure. Whatever you choose to do, spend the time refocusing your priorities.
Pray that you will be aware of what distracts you or pulls you away from God and your family. Pray that you will feel His presence with you everywhere you go.