Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs

Scripture Reading:

Luke 5:16

But he [Jesus] withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

Reflection:

Withdrawing involves an intentional moving away from something or somewhere. In Jesus' case, He removed Himself from the hubbub of the "multitudes" gathering to listen to Him and looking for healing (verse 15). He was getting away from His daily grind. The verse indicates an intentional move not only away from one place, but also to a specific other place: the wilderness.

I don't know about you, but the word "wilderness" doesn't make me think of quiet and calm. While it might be isolated from people, there are still possibly animals and other elements of nature and place that might be, well, "wild." Sometimes a house full of children and pets with a lot going on can be thought of as its own sort of wilderness (it’s certainly wild, at any rate). Sometimes a city is described as a wilderness - the cement jungle. What is your wilderness?

To pray, remove yourself from the daily grind. Face whatever wilderness is available. Jesus didn't get on a plane to head to some beach, lake, city or jungle. He went to the desert, because that is what was right there where He was.

Don't neglect, make space. One morning I sat at the table with my Bible and prayer journal. My son asked if I would play a game with him, to which I replied, "as soon as I finish my Bible study time." He was still in the next room bouncing and playing - being the little wild thing he is, but I turned my focus on the Lord and had some quality time to get my day started right.

Prayer:

Lord, Help me realize that I don’t need to search for peace to pray, but to pray for peace. You give me the place I need to be and here it is that I will pray. Grant me Your peace that passes all understanding, no matter the wilderness I face.