Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)

13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

 

There is no one a child wants to be with more than his/her parents. When a child is accomplishing something wonderful they want nothing more than to share this with their mother or father. They cry out with glee, “Look at me! Look at me! I’m doing it!” When they are afraid of the dark at night there is nothing that can replace curling up in bed next to their father or mother. When one parent arrives home from work they are greeted with most joyful and sincere embrace that they have ever experienced. To a child there is no better place to be than with mom and dad, and the closer the better. What child is not trying to constantly sit on mom or dad’s lap?

 

​Jesus says to receive the kingdom of God like a child. Do we desire to be with our Heavenly Father the way a child desires to be with their mother or father? Do we pray with this kind of fervor? As a child grows older they begin to gain independence from their parents and they do not wish to spend so much time with them. Praying like a child means to intentionally make time to be with God, your Father. When we accomplish great things, tell God. When we are afraid, tell God. When we remember that we haven’t talked to Him all day, rush to Him with eagerness and joy. He is waiting and longing for you to come and pray to Him like a child running into the arms of their parent.

 

Luke 5:12-16 (ESV)

12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

 

​We read in the Gospels that Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to pray (c.f. Mark 1:35; 6:46; Matt 14:23; 26:36; Luke 6:12; 9:18). If there was anyone on earth who might not need to pray it seems that Jesus would be the one. After all this was God’s own son, who has been in communion with Him since before time began. Yet, we find that prayer was very important to him. Jesus is doing what he also teaches his disciples. Jesus is coming to the Father like a child. Jesus, in his earthly body, seems to need the relationship of prayer with his Father just as much as we do.  

 

Ephesians 1:16 -17 (ESV):

16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

Colossians 4:2 (ESV):

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 

 

​In these two passages the Apostle Paul not only demonstrates his desire to pray constantly, but also exhorts the church to do the same. So, not only does Jesus demonstrate the need and desire to be with God, but so also do His disciples. We find in scripture that not only Jesus, but also his disciples, desire to be in prayer and relationship with God for requests, praise, thankfulness, confession, and pleas for help. In fact both the Old and New Testament are full of characters that desire to be in the presence of God through the best and worst situations. The most prevalent way that they accomplish this is though prayer.

 

Study and Reflections Questions:

1. Share about one of your most memorable times of spending time with one of your parents, grandparents, or relatives. What made it special?

2. Are you aware of someone who is not experiencing community due to their physical or emotional condition? How can God use you to sacrificially meet their physical, emotional, or spiritual needs?

3. We are like the leper in this story. From what do you need to be healed? (physical, emotional, and spiritual) Bring your pain before the Lord today.

4. Crowds came to Jesus to be healed, but he withdrew to desolate places to pray (Luke 5:16). What does this teach us about serving and praying?

5. How do we withdrawal from the busyness of life in order to pray?

6. Why is praying in desolate places an important trait for spending time with our Father?