HOW IS YOUR ALONE TIME WITH GOD?

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35 ESV)

I don't know if it is DNA driven or if it is a discipline that one learns, but I have always been an early morning person and have always used the first part of the morning for private devotions and prayer.  I know plenty of people who are morning people and plenty of people who are night owls.  I don't think it is an "either or" situation - whatever fits for you - then do it.  Having said that - what is your devotional life like?

As you study the Bible - you will note that great men of God were noted for engaging in private devotions:

• Isaac meditated in the field at evening - Genesis 24:3
• David prayed three daily, meditated on his bed at night  - Ps 55:17; 63:6
• Daniel's custom was to pray three times daily - Dan 6:10

Jesus sought solitary places in the early morning and late at night - Mk 1:35; Lk 6:12.  He also counseled His disciples to pray in secret - Mt 6:6.

You may faithfully attend public worship with God's people, but do you also take the time to engage in daily, private devotions...?

WHY HAVE PRIVATE DEVOTIONS?

You might ask - "Why have private devotions?"  The answer is simply "to draw near to God."  God is found by those who seek Him.

 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8 ESV)

Do you want a closer walk with God - then spend time with Him everyday. Do you want to grow spiritually - then spend time in His Word everyday.

Strength in God and spiritual grow takes place as we devote ourselves to seeking God's presence in our lives.

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)

We cannot thrive on physical food alone.  We need spiritual food that nourishes the soul.

We live in a world filled with pitfalls and troubles. God's Word keeps us from falling - Ps 119:105,165.

Do you want inner peace and outer stability - Then make your time with God a priority. More than ever, we need to take the time to draw near to God, to receive spiritual nourishment, to find peace and stability.  The habit of daily, private devotions can go a long way...]

HOW TO HAVE PERSONAL DEVOTIONS

A. FIND A TIME AND PLACE...
     1. The time may vary for different individuals
         a. For "night owls", the best time may be late at night, after the children are in bed
         b. For "morning larks", early morning before the children wake up might be better
         c. The key is to find a quiet time, free from worldly distractions
      2. The place may also vary for different people
         a. Some may prefer a place outside, following the example of Jesus - cf. Mk 1:35
         b. Some may prefer a place inside, following the teaching of Jesus - cf. Mt 6:6
         c. The key is to find a solitary place, free from worldly distraction
         d. To develop a habit, the time and place should be the same each day

 B. ENGAGE IN PRAYER, MEDITATION, AND PRAISE...
      1. Approach God in prayer
         a. Thank Him for your blessings - cf. Col 4:2
         b. Confess your sins - cf. 1Jn 1:9
         c. Make supplication for your needs - cf. Php 4:6
         d. Intercede on behalf of others - cf. 1Ti 2:1-2
      2. Spend time in meditation - contemplate on such things as:
         a. The Lord Himself (His character) - Ps 63:6
         b. His wonderful Works (both creative and redemptive) - cf. Psa
            77:12
         c. His revealed Word - Ps 119:15,23,48,97-99,148
         d. Things that are wholesome and praiseworthy - cf. Php 4:8
      3. Praise God in song - perhaps aided by recorded hymns
         a. A natural response to joy in the heart - cf. Jm 5:13
         b. Making melody in your heart - cf. Ep 5:19
             -- Talk with God through prayer, praise; listen to Him by contemplating His Word

Living in world filled with sin, there is much that would fill our lives with stress and anxiety and pulls us away from God and things that are good. Making room for private devotions in our lives, will help greatly you to draw closer to God and will give you the strength of heart and peace of mind in doing His will.

If David, a man after God's own heart, and Jesus, the Son of God Himself, found it needful to spend time alone with God, how much more do we...!

"I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word."   - Ps 119:147-148