By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Where Did Jesus Pray?

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Jesus was unusual. Even after 2000 years of studying his behavior and life, the awe of how he lived in His short time on Earth is still intact. One of the areas I have focused on is His connection with God while in nature. Even though prayers were spoken in the synagogue, Jesus didn’t go there to pray, He went there to teach. He went outdoors to the mountain top, to the water, anywhere outside so He could get alone with God. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we don’t read, “And Jesus went to His room and prayed” or “Jesus went to the synagogue and prayed.” No, he went outdoors, alone.

After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
Matthew 14:23

After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray.
Mark 6:46

It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.
Luke 6:12

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
Mark 1:35
But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. 
Luke 5:16 

Jesus’ insistence of not only getting alone but alone in nature to connect with God can be a model for our life.

There are many ways to connect with God while in nature. To start, just go outside and begin to pray. We have a great trail close to our house that I use to connect with God while I’m walking or running. There are retreat centers that focus on silence and most are inexpensive or even free.

I crave this time with God and when I don’t make the effort to connect with Him outdoors, it feels like I’m starving spiritually. The process of connecting with God outside is not a new one but it can seem weird or hard for some at first. Push through the awkwardness or resistance. I think you’ll find, just like Jesus, that you’ll begin to look forward to this unique time and experience.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado