I think sometimes we forget what it’s like to be alone with God because even when we are by ourselves, the noise of technology has a tendency to drown out our senses. The computer’s on, the TV’s on, the phone’s on. Most people really don’t even know what silence sounds like any more. Most of us need to withdraw more frequently than we do to have a private meeting with God in prayer. I know that there’s been many times in my life that I have not taken that time and have regretted it deeply afterwards.

I believe that even “good things” or “ministry responsibilities” can add to the noise as well. Think about Luke 5:15-16 (ESV) with me, “But now even more the report about Him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear Him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” Even in the middle of groups gathering to hear Him preach and opportunities for Him to work miracles, Jesus would “withdraw to desolate places and pray.” I feel like I need to do a better job at that. And I figure that if you examined yourself, you would probably say the same thing.