We live in a world of increasing distraction and noise. We are never more than a click away from seeing something new that wants our attention. Yet, the Creator of the universe is just as close and wants to spend time with us. We each have a choice of how to spend our time and where to focus our attention. Without prayer and reflection, we struggle to grow in Christ, and this will inevitably impact our walk and testimony with others.

Martin Luther once said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” If we look at the life of Jesus, we see prayer being of primary importance and why He regularly stepped away from others and the routines of life to be with God.

When we engage in prayer, we are not only drawing near to perfect holiness, but we are worshipping Him when we do so.  The model Jesus gave us for prayer includes praise, intercession, petition, confession, and pleading.  Whatever our prayer routine, the discipline of it will always draw us nearer to the heart of Jesus and His love for a lost and dying world. Authentic, real, heartfelt prayer makes our hearts burst to share the good news of Jesus with those still in darkness.

Reflection should be done in a quiet space and way. Most of us long for more quiet moments in days filled with an endless stream of messages and demands for our time. The people and commitments of our lives each have their time and place. The thing many of us too often forget is setting aside time for simply reflecting and being in God’s presence.

Psalm 46:10 is simple reminder when it reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

The discipline of silence and solitude begins with creating space for God to speak to our restless hearts. We come with open hands and hearts in anticipation of what God might say. Quiet reflection and solitude allow us to hear God’s voice again. This is one of the sweet ways we are reminded of God’s love and how He has never left our side. We rediscover what it means that God sustains the universe and holds everything in His right hand.

Prayer and reflection not only sustain us, but they become their own forms of worship and remind us how His Holy Spirit gave us new life. We can more easily appreciate that gift and consider those that have yet to receive it. These regular habits not only strengthen our own walk but also move us towards more conversation about Jesus, about life, about hope with others.