And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
—Luke 5:16

Here is an amazing fact to consider—Jesus found it necessary to get alone with His Father for seasons of prayer. We are not told how often He did it, but when Peter woke up and noticed that Jesus was missing, he knew where to find the Master. If it was necessary for Jesus to get alone to pray, how much more should we? We must daily derive our life from Jesus, our fountain of living water.

Jesus got alone in prayer to hear the voice of God, for He told the Pharisees that He only did what He heard His Father telling Him to do (John 5:19). Jesus got alone to remain in fellowship so He could be alert and aware. A relationship demands intimacy, which requires time and effort.

When you speak to God, it does not have to be formal. James 2:23 says that because Abraham believed in God, he was a friend of God. If you believe in God, then you, too, are His friend. Formalities such as thee and thou can be put aside for casual terms of endearment such as Daddy and Father. He just wants to hear from you. Speak to Him from your heart, and He will speak to you from His.

When you pray, take your limitations off God. God is as big as you allow Him to be. Ask and believe God for big things. Pursue what He has for you! Trust God! Faith is what empowers you to obtain all that God has promised you.

I have three suggestions for your prayer time. One, have a set time to pray, or else you will unintentionally neglect prayer. Perhaps a good time for you is just before retiring for the evening or in the early morning. Two, have a place to pray to shut out the cares of the world and steal away with God. Because prayer creates an atmosphere for intimacy with God, choose a quiet place conducive for private worship. Three, find a way to pray. It may help to play soothing worship music to calm your mind and quiet the distractions of the day.

God hears and answers. When you call upon Him, He will answer. So persevere in prayer. The answer may come as you read God's Word ... as you hear a sermon ... or it may come from the still, small voice of God speaking in your heart. The answer may come in a flash, or it may come to you slowly over time. But the answer will come.

Related Texts: Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 6:6–7; 26:39; Mark 11:24; John 14:13–14; 15:7; Ephesians 3:12; 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 4:16