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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
In John 8:29, Jesus articulates a profound truth: “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”
This statement underscores the deep and continuous connection that Jesus maintained with God, His Father.
It was not just a philosophical or theological relationship but was deeply personal and active.
The Gospels detail how Jesus lived in an ongoing communion with the Father, often emphasizing His practice of retreating for private prayer.
These moments were not just routine; they were essential spiritual disciplines that anchored His earthly ministry.
Examples of Jesus’s prayer practices are abundant in the Gospels.
In Mark 1:35, we see Him rising early to pray in solitude, setting a model for finding peace and direction in the quiet of the morning.
Luke 5:16 tells us that He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray, seeking solitude away from the crowds that followed Him.
In Luke 6:12, we find Jesus spending the entire night in prayer on a mountain, showing His commitment to sustained communion with God, especially before making significant decisions.
Matthew 14:23 describes Him sending the crowds away so He could ascend a mountain to pray in solitude, reflecting His need to reconnect with the Father after ministering to large groups.
These scriptures not only depict the regularity of Jesus’s prayer life but also the various settings He chose—solitude and the natural world as places of spiritual rejuvenation and intimacy with God.
These detailed accounts of Jesus’s prayer life serve as powerful lessons for us.
They teach us the critical role of dedicated prayer time in our own lives, mirroring the practices Jesus himself valued.
Just as Jesus drew strength, guidance, and peace from His times of prayer, we too can benefit from regular, intentional prayer sessions.
Creating consistent prayer practices—whether it’s early morning sessions, retreats into nature, or nightly reflections—helps us foster a deeper relationship with God.
It allows us to step back from the daily pressures and immerse ourselves in divine guidance and reflection.
Through these practices, just as Jesus was transformed and strengthened for His ministry, we too can experience spiritual growth and empowerment to handle life’s challenges, always striving to align our actions with God’s will.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Gail Sparks
Ellen Boyd
Friend of Linda Hodge
Joy Gilbert
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
Joe Shelnutt
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher