In Luke 4 and 5 we see Jesus’ public ministry expanding. Crowds begin to follow him. Multitudes come to hear him. The sick come out in droves to be healed by him. He gives himself to all of these people. He touches, heals and blesses them. But this will take its toll on him. And even Jesus must stop, from time to time, to be renewed. Luke 5:16 tells us one of the keys to Jesus’ ministry, “As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.” (The Message - others have “quiet places” or “lonely places.”)

When was the last time you withdrew to an out-of-the-way place to pray?

Today I had a chance to do that. I spent several hours this afternoon at the Overland Park Arboretum (179th and Antioch). This is one of Kansas City’s best kept secrets. It has miles of walking trails through dense woods, across creeks, through lush landscaped flower gardens and past beautiful babbling brooks. I sat by one of the waterfalls and prayed, read scripture and listened for an hour and a half.

I then went for an hour and a half walk through the woods, along several different trails. I put on my iPod and listened to one of my favorite CD’s - Jars of Clay’s “Redemption Songs.” I found myself singing along with the music, praying worshiping God. At times I felt nearly overwhelmed by God’s presence. I stopped in a forest glade and turned off the music to listen to the birds singing to one another. I couldn’t help help but break out in song singing to the birds, “All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and sing…”

Part of my aim today was simply to go to an out-of-the-way place to pray so that my own soul might be renewed. Part of my aim was also to listen for God’s voice as I begin my annual task of developing the sermon plan for the next 24 months.

Over the next month I will invite our staff, our leaders and our congregation to share with me their thoughts and reflections on what our congregation most needs by way of sermons to deepen their faith, to bring healing and help for their lives and to be equipped to live for Christ. At the end of June I’ll spend a week in Colorado praying, reading and meditating on the scriptures before outlining possible sermon series for the next two years.

Today I found my soul renewed. New ideas for sermons and ministries began to flow as I walked, worshiped and prayed. I am convinced that every one of us needs to do this, regardless of your profession. Years ago LaVon encouraged me to take the first of these silent retreats saying, “If Jesus needed to do this, who do you think you are that you would not need to do the same?” She was right.

Why not plan to take off early from work some afternoon in the next few weeks to find an out-of-the-way place to walk, pray, read and listen for God’s voice? Take comfortable shoes, your pocket New Testament and a notepad. It will do your soul good!