SOAP: Praying by myself

Scripture:

After he had dismissed them,

he went upon a mountainside by himself to pray…

–Matthew 14:23

Observation:

Jesus addressed those with care who came to him, and then he set aside time for his own spiritual health and personal relationship with his Father.

Application:

Wow.

I’m pretty sure this one grabbed me right where I need to be grabbed.

Over the past few mornings I had been thinking about my daily SOAP devotions here on MomsToolbox, and how they have been great conversation starters for me and God, but how in many cases they have been just that, starters. There is so much nitty gritty that I want to get into with Him, but I’m writing in a public space and so I have been holding back. As much as I love each of you joining me on this journey, some things really need to be just between me and my Father and not shared here on my blog.

For me, prayer happens best when I am writing (or typing). My conversation with him flows. I speak from my heart and I so often hear him responding.

I had been wondering what to do.

This morning, I believe I found the answer.

After I meet here with you, sharing my SOAP thoughts in general, and sometimes in specific, as I feel led, I will break out some paper and continue the conversation with him, in solitude, in a conversation just meant for God and me.

I  need to be more intentional about regular prayer time in solitude. My spiritual health has improved since I’ve been back in the routine of posting my daily SOAP. (Thank you for the inspiration!) Now it’s time to take it even further. How exciting! I’m eager to see what else I hear.

Prayer:

Father God, thanks for this. Just as I was struggling on how to be sure I talked with you about deeper issues and some more personal stuff, you reminded me to carve out some time just for you and me. Some time for journaling and prayer that is not shared. We both know I pray throughout the day, but now I need to find some time to take my SOAP one step deeper. Please, Father, show me the way to do that. Show me how and where it fits in my life so it does not get skipped, so I can truly grow as you intend. Thank you, for calling me closer.