Growing Together: Part 1 - 'The Bliss of Solitude' 

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available via live stream at 9.30am on Sunday 18th September, on our YouTube channel.
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:

Readings:
 
Hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 and 2 (NIV-UK)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
 
 
James chapter 4 verse 8a (NIV-UK)

Come near to God and he will come near to you.
 
 
Luke chapter 5 verse 16 (NIV-UK)

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

 
Matthew 14 verses 13 to 18 and 22 to 25 (NLT)
 
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.  “Bring them here,” he said….
 
… Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.


Prayer and Reflection:

Loving God, thank you that you want to be close to us, and that you call to us from deep to deep.
 
Help us draw near to you too. By your Spirit strengthen us to order and discipline our lives so that we make time to be alone in prayer and reflection with you, to keep our eyes fixed on you whether we feel full of joy, or full of grief – with souls up and soaring like eagles or downcast and troubled.
 
Help us to be a people who abide with you, Father, whether we’re gathered as community or in solitude. In Jesus’ name we ask this. Amen.

 
Questions to Consider:
 

1. When are you, or could you be, alone with God in prayer?
2. Do you spend time with God when you wake up?
3. A morning time – where, when? Do you have a time and a place?
4. On your drive to work – are you tuning into the radio or tuning into God?
5. Is there time in your day for a walk or two with God?
6. Is there a quiet place somewhere at work?
7. When you go home, is it all evening on the telly, or is there some time for thinking and reflecting with God?
8. When you go to bed is there a prayer?
9. When you wake in the night, do you think to talk to God?

10.  Imagine a friend you haven’t spoken to for ages. What would you want to tell them about, confide to them?