Matthew 14:23 “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.”
If it was good for Jesus Christ, The Son Of God to have private prayer in a quiet place, it is certain that it is both God honoring and good for us. This is a private prayer between God The Father and God The Son, a Holy Communion within the Spirit Of God. As our “good shepherd” (John 10:11), our Leader; our Lord has given us this example to follow. Public prayers, prayers with our families, and prayers during Church Services are also God honoring and pleasing to our souls; but, when we are alone in a quiet place without distractions, we enjoy the sweet freedom to, without reservations, pour out our souls unto our Heavenly Father, the Loving Lord God Almighty. And when He blesses us to feel His Holy Presence for a few minutes, it is so pleasing that we yearn to remain in those moments; for, there is nothing more pleasing and comforting than direct communion with God. But Jesus, being both man and God, was fully aware that “the ship” His disciples were in “was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary”. The Brethren in the “ship” were His “disciples” (students), and shortly He would teach them and us another great lesson!