The Transformative Power of Solitude in Prayer.

10/20/23 • 45 min

“There is a time for prayer in secret, time for prayer alone.” - JB

Episode Summary:

What does it mean to be alone?

In this profound episode, JB talks about the powerful practice of being alone in prayer. Delve into the distinction between being alone and experiencing loneliness, understanding the significance of withdrawing to pray. Discover the transformative nature of praying in solitude and in secret, fostering a deep connection with God. Learn how to make dedicated time for prayer, seek forgiveness, and eliminate distractions to strengthen your spiritual journey. Find the balance between solitude and fellowship, align your mind with God’s plan, and pray with intentionality and guidance.

In today's episode:

Foster a deep and meaningful connection with God through solitary prayer and meditation.
The difference between being alone and feeling lonely is to embrace the transformative power of solitude in prayer.
Carving out dedicated time for prayer, allowing for sincere and authentic communication with God.
Seeking forgiveness through prayer
The importance of a distraction-free environment to facilitate a deeper spiritual connection with God.
Finding the balance between alone time and engaging in fellowship, nurturing both personal spiritual growth and community connections.

Weekly Scripture(s):

Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.
Mark 1:35-39 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. (36) Simon and his companions went to look for him, (37) and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” (38) Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” (39) So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. (16) But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6:12-13 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. (13) When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:
Luke 22:39-44 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. (40) On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” (41) He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, (42) “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (43) An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (44) And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Resources:

Connect with JB:

Audio and show notes by Premier Podcast Promotions

“There is a time for prayer in secret, time for prayer alone.” - JB

Episode Summary:

What does it mean to be alone?

In today's episode:

Foster a deep and meaningful connection with God through solitary prayer and meditation.
The difference between being alone and feeling lonely is to embrace the transformative power of solitude in prayer.
Carving out dedicated time for prayer, allowing for sincere and authentic communication with God.
Seeking forgiveness through prayer
The importance of a distraction-free environment to facilitate a deeper spiritual connection with God.
Finding the balance between alone time and engaging in fellowship, nurturing both personal spiritual growth and community connections.

Weekly Scripture(s):

Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.
Mark 1:35-39 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. (36) Simon and his companions went to look for him, (37) and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” (38) Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” (39) So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. (16) But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6:12-13 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. (13) When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:
Luke 22:39-44 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. (40) On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” (41) He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, (42) “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (43) An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (44) And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Resources:

Connect with JB:

Audio and show notes by Premier Podcast Promotions

Previous Episode

Persevering in Faith: Trusting God’s Provision

“You have to believe God will provide.” - JB

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "On Earth as it is in Heaven," JB addresses the challenges and struggles many people are facing in the world today, including economic uncertainties and global changes. JB emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God during these difficult times.

JB encourages listeners to reflect on their faith and perseverance, emphasizing that God is with them, even in challenging times. JB underscores the need to live by faith and not shrink back, as those who persevere will receive God's promised rewards.

He invites feedback from the audience to continue the conversation and build a supportive community.

This episode serves as a reminder of the significance of faith, trust, and perseverance in the lives of Christians facing the trials and uncertainties of the world today.

In today's episode:

We persevere in challenging times by relying on our faith and our belief that God will provide.
Our faith should be anchored in the promises found in Scripture.
The importance of gathering together as believers
Perseverance is a core aspect of our walk with Christ.

Weekly Scripture(s):

Hebrews 10:19-39 (19) Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, (20) by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, (21) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, (22) let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (23) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, (25) not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (26) If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, (27) but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. (28) Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. (29) How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? (30) For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” (31) It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (32) Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. (33) Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. (34) You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. (35) So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (36) You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (37) For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” (38) And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” (39) But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Resources:

https://www.churchfinder.com/

Connect with JB:

Audio and show notes by Premier Podcast Promotions

Next Episode

Dissecting the Word: A Proverb a Day with Megan Worner

“God is speaking to us, we’re not listening.” - JB

Episode Summary:

This week, JB and his Guest Megan delve into the profound wisdom of Proverbs 28. They explore a range of proverbs and their deep meanings. The discussion touches upon essential life principles such as righteousness, leadership, wealth, and trust in God. Through personal reflections and anecdotes, they illustrate how these timeless proverbs can be applied to our daily lives.

In today's episode:

Accumulating wealth at the expense of the vulnerable ultimately leads to trouble and turmoil.
Evil doers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand fully.
It is better to be poor with a blameless walk than the rich with perverse ways.
Building your wealth by exploiting the poor leads to trouble.
Greed breeds conflict while placing trust in the divine results in prosperity.

Weekly Scripture(s):