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german alps

Scripture:

“…Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” – Luke 6:12

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16

A Reflection:

I saw the Alps from a distance.

I was a passenger in a car in a small town in Germany. We were turning around in a parking lot when one of my companions pointed to them in the distance.

I was traveling with my son-in-law and his associates – they were there for business – I was tagging along. While I was grateful to see so many beautiful sites in Germany, Churches, Castles, and other historical sites, I was disappointed we didn’t make time to visit the mountains.

Mountains are significant in Scripture. 

They are holy places where we find God’s servants encountering the Divine.

The Bible tells us stories of God – encounters on mountains – considered “Sacred sites’ and places of “transcendent spiritual experiences.”

” Ezekiel 28:13-15 places the Garden of Eden on a mountain. Abraham shows his willingness to sacrifice Isaac and then encounters God on a mountain” (Gen 22:1-14). Moses met God in a cloud on Mt. Sinai  (Ex 3:19). (1) 

 Jesus went to the mountains to pray(Mt 14:23) in solitude(Jn 6:15) and to be with his Father. He was transfigured (Mt 17:1-8) in the presence of his disciples, ascended into heaven(Acts 1:10-12), and “refuted Satan’s temptations” (Mt 4:8) from the mountains.

We may not have access to a physical mountain to pray daily, but we can have that special place to commune with God. And to refute the devil’s lies by believing and speaking the truth of Scripture (out loud). 

My companions and I allowed inconvenient obstacles like money and time to keep us from experiencing the Alps. Don’t let distractions keep you from encountering the LORD.  We make time and sacrifices for what we value most. We have access to the throne of grace at any time.

Prayer:

 Father, we come into your presence through Jesus – by the Holy Spirit. Would you help us to find a place of solitude? It doesn’t have to be a mountain but a place where we can meet with You undistracted. We ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know you better. We are desperate to encounter Your Presence. And to learn what it means to abide in You. Amen

(1) Source: Dictionary of Biblical Imagery