I don’t know about you, but life often feels like being stuck in a storm. Responsibilities, problems, relationships to maintain, media, etc. are constantly fighting for our attention. It swirls around us, and we’re often pulled in multiple directions.

Today’s Gospel says that Jesus went to a deserted place and prayed. The original Greek word (erémos) used for “deserted place” means the desert wilderness. However, Capernaum is not in the desert, but a rather lush area by the Sea of Galilee. He does remove himself, but he doesn’t literally go into the desert. Jesus refers to something spiritually similar to a desert- a place separated and free from distractions and everything going on around Him, somewhere He can fully dive into prayer.

I think we often simply make an attempt to pray in the middle of being bombarded by distractions. That’s not a bad thing, and in fact we should pray in the midst of the storms of life, but we are also called to take intentional time to step away.

This doesn’t have to be a formal retreat but even going to a church or chapel to pray rather than at home where we have a million other things vying for our attention can be a way to “go to a deserted place” and devote time to the Lord.

How can I take the time to step away in prayer?

Lord, I ask for your help to put aside the distractions and deepen my relationship with you. Amen.