“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:15

Jesus had a habit of withdrawing from the crowds in order to spend extended time in prayer. It required him to choose solitude over people and tasks, and that decision afforded him a powerful, personal relationship with his heavenly Father. I sometimes wonder if we have overlooked this rhythm of life in our modern culture and are suffering as a result.

Some years ago I discovered the gift of getting away with Jesus. Every month I carve out one day each month to enjoy my relationship with him, listen to his voice, and reflect on the direction of my life.

This monthly routine has been a catalyst for a series of incredible breakthroughs in my relationship with Jesus.

Spending a day in prayer might seem like a practice reserved solely for an incredibly mature Christian, but it’s something that anyone can do with a little practice.

BENEFITS TO SPENDING A DAY IN PRAYER

• Spiritually reconnect with God

• Gain clarity around a specific topic

• Reflect on your health and priorities

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR DAY IN PRAYER

First, set a date and time on your calendar to make the most of your day in prayer. Most of the time, I leave the house first thing in the morning and finish up around 1 pm. Technically this is a half day in prayer, but I sense that it accomplishes what I need most months. Occasionally, I extend my time to 24 hours by leaving after work one evening and returning the next evening.

Second, find a good location. I like to get away from the house and go to a spacious park, quiet location, room at our church, hotel room, or retreat center if one is available. I don’t always go to the same location, but I make sure that I have a location that is inspiring and without interruption.

HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME

• Read the Bible. If you don’t know where to start, read Psalm 23 or the book of Philippians as a starting place. If you want to read a longer section, consider the book of John or Romans.

• Worship on your own or listen to worship music. Sit in Jesus’ presence and tell him that you love him.

• Pray for yourself and any specific topics, decisions, or worries that are on your heart.

• Pray for others and intercede on their behalf. This would be the time to develop a prayer list if you don’t already have one.

• Reflect on your health and priorities and ask God where you are on the right track, where you need to make a change, and what needs your extra time in this upcoming season.

• Take a walk outdoors or sit in silence. Nature and silence are often missing in our busy lives.

• Read a spiritually inspiring book. Feed your mind, soul, and spirit.

REFLECT, PRAY, & JOURNAL ABOUT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

• How is my spiritual health?
  Think about your devotional life, patterns of sin, and love for Jesus.

• How is my physical health?
  Think about your sleep, diet, general health, and exercise habits.

• How is my mental and emotional health?
  Think about your stress, pace, things you are worried about, and how much fun is in your life.

• How are my top priorities going?
  Think about your marriage, kids, parents, work, finances, close friendships, and kingdom impact. I often pray for each person/area by name and write down any action steps I have for the next season.

• How is my joy, passion, and energy?
  Think about how you are feeling. Ask yourself if you are enjoying life and whether anything needs to change.

• How is my inner peace?
  Think about what you are worried about (make a list) and give them to God.

• How does God want to encourage me?
  Think about how God loves you and what He wants to say to you as His child.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR DAY

As you are experimenting with spending a day in prayer, you may have trouble knowing where to start. Here is a sample schedule that will help you get started. After you have done this 3 or more times, I believe you will know what order works best for you.

1. Begin by praying for God to have His way with your day.

2. Spend extended time reading the Bible and worshipping God in song.

3. Sit in silence and listen for God’s still, small voice. Write down anything you hear.

4. Pray through any specific items that are already on your heart or prayer list.

5. Reflect, pray, and journal through some or all of the questions above.

6. Invest your remaining time reading, walking in nature, thinking through your upcoming season, and recording what you heard God say today.

HOW TO END THE DAY FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT

At the end of your day in prayer, you will want to write down everything that you sensed God speak to you about. This may include truths that He impressed on your heart or action steps that you need to take in the days to come. Ask yourself, are there two or three main things that I should do as a result of this time? If possible, share those with a spouse or trusted friend as soon as possible and make them a priority. Then keep these notes ready for the next time you spend a day in prayer so that you can review what God has done and keep yourself on the path that God has led you toward.

FINAL SUGGESTION

Print this post, put it in your Bible, and schedule a day and time to do this within the next 30 days. Then let me know what God did in your life as a result. I believe prayer has the power to unlock your future and you will never regret spending extended time in prayer.

*If this has been helpful, please send me an email and let me know. I would love to hear from you. Also, please share this post with others who could benefit.