Following Jesus to Intimacy — Draw near !

Walking with Jesus

Following Jesus into the Intimacy of God

Pastor Calvin Cook

September 2, 2026 — Day 38 of 40

“Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.” — Luke 9:28

When we speak about following Jesus, we often think about going where Jesus sends us to serve. We think about feeding the hungry, caring for those who are hurting, sharing the gospel, and making disciples. All of these are important parts of following Jesus. But before Jesus leads the disciples into the work of ministry, Jesus often leads them away from the crowds and into a place of prayer.

The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus took Peter, John, and James up onto a mountain to pray. They were not simply invited to watch Jesus perform another miracle. Jesus was leading them into a place of intimacy with God.

There were no crowds and no distractions—only Jesus, the disciples, and the presence of God. There on the mountain, the disciples witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. They experienced the awesomeness, glory, and holiness of God in a way they could never have experienced amid the noise and demands of the crowd.

Following Jesus means allowing Jesus to lead us there too.

Prayer is more than presenting God with a list of needs. It is more than asking God to bless the plans we have already made. Prayer is the place where we draw close enough to hear God, surrender our will, and allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts.

There are times when Jesus leads us into the crowds, but there are also times when Jesus leads us away from them. Jesus calls us away from the noise, the demands, the opinions, and the constant activity. Jesus invites us to come close and be still in the presence of God.

I have to admit that this can be difficult for me. I am accustomed to doing. I often feel that I should be working, helping, planning, preparing, or fixing something. Sometimes even my time of prayer can become focused on what I believe needs to be done. Yet Jesus reminds me that spiritual strength does not come from constant activity. It comes from intimacy with the Father.

On that mountain, the disciples witnessed the glory of Jesus in a way they had never seen before. Perhaps there are things about Jesus that we will never fully recognize while standing in the noise of the crowd. Some things become clearer only when we follow Jesus into the quiet place of prayer.

Jesus is still inviting the disciples of today to come away with Jesus. Jesus is calling us beyond hurried prayers and familiar words into a deeper relationship with God.

The question is not simply, “Do I pray?” The deeper question is, “Am I willing to follow Jesus into the intimacy of God?”

There, in the quiet place, without all the distractions, we learn to recognize the voice of Jesus, surrender our plans, receive the strength of Jesus, and see the glory of Jesus more clearly.

Following Jesus will lead us into service. Following Jesus will lead us through difficult places. Following Jesus will lead us to people who need hope. But first—and repeatedly—following Jesus will lead us into prayer.

Prayer

Jesus, lead me away from the noise and into the presence of God. Teach me to be still, to listen, and to pray. Draw me beyond simply asking for what I want and into a deeper relationship with You. Prepare my heart in the quiet place so that I may faithfully follow You wherever You lead. Amen.