Scripture says that Jesus often departed to solitary places to pray. One of these special places he retreated to was the Mount of Olives or Garden of Gethsemane. This was a retreat of sorts from the constant crowds that pressed in on him. I imagine him there pouring his soul out to the Father and ascending into the heights of intimate communion. It was there that he prayed preparing his heart just before bearing the sins of the world on the cross.
Though Christ was fully God when he dwelt among us 33 years on earth, he was also fully human. He depended on the Holy Spirit in prayer for life, power and wisdom, just as we need to do. Christ was our example that we should follow in his footsteps.
As followers of Jesus, we need to have our own personal garden to cultivate relationship with God. It may be hard to find an olive grove but we can find a similar type retreat from our busy lifestyles. It might be a secluded room in our house. Or perhaps a wooded path in the neighborhood. We might find a local church that opens her doors early every morning. Or possibly a nook by the ocean. For some, their car is actually a wonderful little sanctuary on wheels that provides privacy to cry out to the Father. We can turn almost any secluded space into a sacred space.
I'm convinced that we will never get past spiritual kindergarten until this garden of prayer is tended to with great priority. It is the "one thing" above all things that will determine the measure of God's presence in our lives. Attending church regularly is a great strength to our spiritual lives but it cannot replace the life of daily intimate communion with our Lord.
The book of Hebrews says that Jesus offfered up loud cries and tears to the Father in his place of prayer. In other words, it was more than just a little time of devotion at the cafe. He put his whole heart and mind and strength into it. It was raw and real. It was more than an intellectual exercise. He pushed through the forces of hell raging against him and pressed into the heart of his Father.
May we follow Christ into the garden and cultivate the presence of God. May we learn to shut ourselves away and gaze on His glory. May we give ourselves fully to fighting through in prayer until we are flooded with divine grace.
- Scott A