Alone in the Crowd

Being an introvert at my core, I understand what it feels like to be alone even when surrounded by a crowd. Jesus was alone in the middle of crowds for a much different reason. He walked alone because He was set apart from the crowds by His being I AM.

Jesus engaged individuals and crowds. He did not back away from multitudes, but drew them to Himself. But He had a balance. He took time to go away alone, to pray, commune with The Father. He needed the oneness that came with prayer and unity with His Father. I, too, need to back away from activity to gather into myself the strength, peace, and direction to face the day that lies before me.

Prayer is not just a time of sitting at the foot of God's throne and listing the wants. Jesus does not sit with a waiting line of followers ready to sit beside Him and tell Him their desires like Santa. He doesn't want a list. I think He wants a conversation.

Most conversations cover both the good and the not so good, sometimes the really bad. Jesus gave His heart and soul to those who follow Him. In our prayer conversations we should not only receive His heart and soul but give Him ours as well.

Jesus, I imagine You sitting alone with Your Father sharing Your days of joy, sadness, and even concerns. I expect that Your hearts were united at those times. Forgive me when I list off my wants, without uniting my heart to You. Thank You for teaching us how to pray,

Lord, through Your example, we learn that our prayers are only addressed to Our Father in Heaven, not poured out to others. It is Your goodness and holiness we seek. We seek to united Heaven and earth in our prayers. We know that God alone is the one who can provide all we need, so we ask for provision and forgiveness. We want to be like Jesus in forgiving others too. Thank You, Jesus, for teaching us to pray with open hearts, and not just a list!