Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

In the spring of 1994, I attended a three-day-weekend devoted to learning more about living the Christian life. While there, I discovered that before I could share the good news of God’s love with others, I needed to develop a rock-solid relationship with Christ and spend time in prayer and study.

I couldn’t wait to find a quiet place in my home where I could be alone. I will always remember the dark corner of our basement, amidst the cobwebs where Jesus and I first began to meet early in the morning. A musty stuffed chair from college, a bible, candle, journal, and an Upper Room daily devotional was what I gathered to begin our journey together. While the locations and chairs have changed over the years, and new practices have been added to my spiritual toolbox, one thing remains constant – the craving I have when I first wake up, to sit with a hot cup of coffee in my prayer chair. It is here that I am free to sort out troubling emotions and untangle my thoughts in a journal. It is where I lift up prayers for others and express my gratitude. While the day is still quiet, I am able to rest in Christ’s peaceful presence and listen for God’s still small voice.

If we have designated places in our homes for cooking, sleeping, bathing, and socializing, why not designate a place where you can rest, be in silence, and be alone with God? There was once a woman who would sit on a chair and throw her apron over her head. This was a sign for her 19 kids to leave her alone for her sweet hour of prayer. No matter how busy she was, she needed a quiet time away.

Perhaps you already have a designated place. Maybe it is your bedroom, a closet, a park bench, or while walking the dog. In Virtual Sunday School, the children are learning their loving Creator is eager to spend time with them, no matter when and where they pray.

Merrill Noble
Director of Children’s Ministry

For those yearning to deepen their connection with God:
Dear God, I pray that you will take me into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with you, where I will grow in faith and hear your still small voice within my soul. Help me to be listening so that I will walk in the ways of Jesus. Amen.

Family Activity Suggestions
Create a Prayer Space. Designate a special space somewhere in your home for the family to gather for prayer and/or for each member to be alone with God.

Watch this video for some creative ways to teach your children the value of prayer and how you can make it a central part of your family’s daily routine.