Good Morning, My Dear Friends, 

I find it fascinating that Jesus not only had certain times he would withdraw to pray, but he also had a specific place.  “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.  When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us how to pray, just as John taught his disciples'” (Luke 11:1).   

Now, that is not to say that the world cannot be your prayer parish.  One can pray anywhere, indeed, everywhere.  However, there is great value in finding a designated place where we can be welcomed into God’s holy presence.  Dr. Clovis Chappel reminded us of that Judas not only betrayed Jesus, but he also betrayed Jesus’ place of prayer.  No spot is more sacred.  No place is needed. 

I once heard of a farmer who had two sons.  His wife, who was a Christian, had died and he was making the effort to guide these young men in the way that leads to life everlasting.  Each morning, just prior to doing the day’s chores, the boys noticed that their father had disappeared for a while.  They wondered about his absence but during his life never learned the secret of his withdrawal. 

One day, months after his death, they were at work in the barn.  Suddenly one of them discovered a cavity in the rear of the barn.  He thought the space was completely filled with hay.  Then he made another discovery.  On a bale in the corner was an open Bible.  In front of it were two worn-out places on the ground; places it had taken a long time to depress. 

He called for his brother, and they stood in reverent silence before this scene of holiness.  At length, one of them said, “So that’s where he was and what he was doing.”  The other answered, “I’m just wondering how many of those prayers were said for us.”  Then one lad knelt in a knee print and the second knelt in the other.  And when they got up, they rose with their father’s God in their hearts. 

Do you have a place?  Will you find one? 

May you find power and victory in prayer, 

Bruce Jones, Pastor 

Imagine Church