To develop a close relationship with someone, there must be TIME TOGETHER ALONE. 

Jesus is the best source of information regarding how we should live our lives.  With that in mind, have you noticed how much time Jesus spent alone with God while he was carrying on his ministry? 

Here’s a sampling of some of the times and places Jesus sought to have TIME TOGETHER ALONE with God:

• WHEN JESUS WAS TOLD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST’S DEATH: Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. (Matthew 14:13-15)
• AFTER PREACHING TO A CROWD OF OVER 5000 AND THEN MIRACULOUSLY FEEDING THEM: And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. (Matthew 14:23)
• AFTER HEALING THE SICK DURING THE NIGHT: And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. (Luke 4:42)
• AS THE CROWDS GREW IN SIZE AND HE WAS PREACHING AND HEALING THEM: But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5:16)
• BEFORE CHOOSING HIS TWELEVE APOSTLES: In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)
• AFTER PREACHING AND TEACHING: Now it happened that as he was praying alone. (Luke 9:18)

These are a few examples of when the Scriptures tell us that Jesus went off by himself to have TIME TOGETHER ALONE with God during his ministry.  There are more.  Take time to read through the gospels looking for them.

If we want to get to know God in a close, personal, intimate way we are going to need to find TIME TOGETHER ALONE with him.  Each of these three words is important.  To grow spiritually, we must follow the example of Jesus and intentionally take the TIME to be TOGETHER with God ALONE.

Things to Consider:

• This lesson emphasized spending time together with God alone.  Do you believe this is important? Why or why not?
• Should you have a plan for spending TIME ALONE WITH GOD?  Do you?
• What would you say is the greatest value of spending time alone with God?