What was written animated his life, and when he withdrew, he went to speak to his Father in prayer. He continued in this practice of prayer, as in Luke 6:12 Jesus spent the entire night in . A:The Bible tells us in (1 Th 5:17) to pray without ceasing. While I dont believe this literally means to never stop praying, I would say that Jesus probably came closer to never stopping than any person who has ever lived on this planet. For a little over a year it seemed that everywhere he went, the Holy Spirit was poured out. Berean Literal Bible And He Himself was withdrawing into the wilderness and praying. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. We know exactly what God means for us to know, in just the right detail and we have far more about Jesuss personal spiritual rhythms than we do about anyone else in Scripture. We are being refreshed, our organs and glands are given rest, and we are being equipped for effective activity in the next day. Below are all of the verses I could find in the Gospels that show Jesus praying. . (Matthew 6:913). The Ministry of Jesus included entire nights of prayer where He sought the Father to be filled with wisdom and strength to fight the powers of darkness that surrounded Him every moment. We carve out a season for spiritual respite, in some momentarily sacred space, to feed our souls, enjoying God there in the stillness. It seems like such a waste, lying unconscious on a bed, eyes, closed, mouth sometimes open, and totally unaware of everything. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. His ongoing, intimate relationship with his Abba was the source of his compassion, wisdom, and power that we see on every page of the Gospels. We not only hear one distracting Siren call after another, but an endless cacophony of voices barrages us all at once. The competition for our attention is ruthless. (Mt 26:36-46) In Gethsemane before His betrayal. Jesus told His disciples to "watch and pray" several times. I'm sure there are more though Jesus Prayed Because God Infused In Him A Spirit Of Prayer The secret of intimacy and a thriving spiritual life has not changed since the days of our Lord. We may never face such a Gethsemane moment, but the Bible urges us to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18 NIV), laying our needs, trivial and otherwise, before God. Four hundred years after Pascal, life may be as hurried and anxious as it has ever been. For instance, when Jesus took time to pray, he would go to a place by himself and spend considerable time in prayer (Matthew 14.23; Mark 1.35, 6.46; Luke 6.12, 9.18, 11.1). And yet throughout his recorded ministry, we see evidence of a man utterly captivated by what is written in the text of Scripture. Jesus departed and went into a desolate place (Luke 4:42) not just once but regularly. Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. 4:16) - Jesus incorporated other forms of time off into His life as well. By giving to Just Between Us, you are helping encourage women across the street and around the world. In Mark 6:3132, he invites his men to join him, saying, Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while. Mark explains, For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Instead of peace and joy, so many of us find ourselves swept away in worry, busyness and frustration. 22:41). It is one of the most productive activities in which we will ever engage. For Christ, the wilderness or desolate place often became his momentarily sacred space. These psalms can lead us deliberately and prayerfully through our busy lives to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. who is the one who condemns? Jesus knew the importance of withdrawing. how many times did jesus withdrew to pray. When we lay our heads on our pillows, close our eyes, and nod off into the unconscious state, we get no work done. 7:24). A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? Why Jesus Prayed Three Times. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. So He hid away at a friends house in hopes of finding seclusion. The Bible mentions that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16 NIV). 3. And so they never withdraw; they spend virtually no extended times in prayer; they have no prayer closet or prayer recliner and prayer habits. 16 As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer. Jesus took time off when Hed had enough of people. Youre welcome Daniel. 18): My daughter, the more it seems that the world is apparently in peace, and they sing the praises of peace, the more they hide wars, revolutions and tragic scenes for poor humanity, under that ephemeral and masked peace. Kneeling in Prayer (22:41) "He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed." (22:41) Matthew and Mark mention that Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him, and then moves a bit farther from them, but Luke omits this detail. Jesus, like many of us, was either unable or unwilling to spend large amounts of time away from His responsibilities. On that occasion, Jesus three closest friends were there to see Him in the company of twootherfriendsElijah and Moses! Rather, we find timeless and transcultural postures that can be replicated, and easily applied, by any follower of Jesus, anywhere in the world, at any time in history. And He withdrew and took these breaks without apology. And so it is with our spiritual feeding on the Nourisher of our souls, our Lord Jesus. kp - Open access to 774,879 e-prints in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, . On the night before choosing His 12 closest disciples, Jesus spent the night praying to God (Luke 6:12 NIV). There is a tremendous harvest going on in the world these days, and we are privileged to be a part of it. Jesus prayed repeatedly while in painon the cross. How the Spirit Produces Faith in Our Hearts, Devotional Prayer: Learning from our Lord Himself. The parallel in Mark has Jesus praying only once but in Luke 5:16 it was Jesus' custom. Jesus maintained balance in the midst of His busy life by incorporating time away to be reenergized. I dont want to miss this! There, He prayed and fasted for 40 days and nights (see Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4), which probably contributed to His success over temptation. Some people have sometimes been too legalistic with the Sabbath (although hardly anyone is today) but the principle is still as valid today as it was when God first announced it on Mount Sinai. The morning prayer can be prayed at any time between dawn and midday. PLUS FREE GIFTS enjoy 4 FREE Scripture & Reflection Notecards! The Children of IssacharUnderstood the Times. Last Sunday's sermon was no exception. He showed us how us as men and women, who although knowing times of stress, weakness and pain, can encounter victory and find peace in the midst of all these things. Far too often, when we are especially busy, the first thing we will slash from our schedule is our prayer time. But even then, the crowds pursued him. He simply could not bring himself to take seasons of rest and refreshment. For a full listing of all articles, written and audio, go to our Audio Devos Page. 1.1K views, 59 likes, 7 loves, 2 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from : #__ - Thank you for this information very useful as I prepare a bible study. He probably needed a retreat from the crowds that thronged Him, but we might also wonder if He even missed the kind of heavenly fellowship with the Father that He had enjoyed before taking on human flesh. May it never be! Instead, we often see him leaving the crowds and sending the disciples ahead of him so that he could spend time alone with God. At last, God granted humanity's longtime desire to see Him, though almost . He prayed with his men, and even when he prayed alone, his men might be nearby: Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him (Luke 9:18; also 11:1). Luke 6:12-13 says that Jesus "went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. The New Testament refers numerous times to how important it was for our Lord Jesus to get away to spend time with His Father. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place (Mk. )(Also see: Lk 22:39-46, Mk 14:32-42), (Lk 23:34) Right after being nailed to the cross, Jesus prayed, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do., (Mt 27:46) While dying on the cross, Jesus cried out, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?(Also see: Mk 15:34). What did Jesus do when he withdrew from his father? As it was for Him, so it is for us; baptisms, holidays, weddings, funerals, reunions and other special events offer a reminder and an occasion for prayer. He often withdrew early in the morning to be with God, sometimes praying all night. (Lk 11:1) Before teaching His disciples the Lords Prayer. So He maintained a wise rhythm in the midst of His busy life. Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. "Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! The priority of Jesus solitude and silence is everywhere in the Gospels. Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular. Occasionally, Jesus would model praying in solitude for his disciples. [Apparently Jesus kept silent for most of the 22-mile hike. Consider each word and how it applies to you. We're going to watch Jesus pray too. ' (Mark 15:25, 33; Luke 23:46). Add in time to take care of yourself. Its how he taught his disciples. Jesus didnt only retreat to be alone with God. He was often seen in the early hours before sunrise praying and sometimes even spent the entire night in prayer. Then we enter back in, as light and bread, to a hungry, harassed, and helpless world (Matthew 9:36). And the more it seems that they favor My . After all, they are busy doing the Kings business. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. This phrase occurs only three times in the New Testament. He not only modeled prayer, but instructed them in how to pray. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. How many times did Jesus pray in Luke? The truth is we are accomplishing a great deal as we sleep. We may have but glimpses of Jesuss habits and personal spiritual practices in the Gospels, but what we do have is by no accident, and it is not scant. The Bible tells us that Jesus often went up to the mountain to pray - Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46, Luke 6:12, John 6:15. ], One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. (Also see: Mk 8:6-7), (Lk 9:18) Before Peter called Jesus the Christ.. Read More What Was The Error Of The Five Foolish Virgins? Before telling his disciples of his coming death, he spent time alone in prayer (Luke 9:18). I do not interpret these verses in this way. At every step of the way to Calvary, over and over again, he knew everything would happen as it is written (see especially the Gospel of John, 6:31, 45; 8:17; 10:34; 12:14, 16; 15:25). Jesus prayed often. Learn how your comment data is processed. On the Sabbath and festivals, a fourth prayer is added (Musaf-). (Mk 1:35-36) In the morning before heading to Galilee. We see evidence of time off after a period of victory. needs to learn from Jesus example of intimacy with God. He also taught his disciples to do the same ( Mark 3:7 ; Luke 9:10 ). At times, he went away by himself, to be alone (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:4647; John 6:15). To be sure, other times would come (as well see) when Jesus would delay his personal habits to meet immediate needs. After Jesus healed a man with leprosy, the Bible tells us: However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. He was pushed by people to become their natural king, He ran and withdrew with God in the mist of that temptation. But even then, the crowds pursued him. And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, Who do the people say that I am?, Then Jesus *came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, Sit here while I go over there and pray., And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will., He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.. Anyone too busy to pray is too busy. (Lk 24:30) Prayed a blessing on the bread before He ate with others after His resurrection. He is shown to pray: alone (Mt 14:23)(Mk 1:35)(Lk 9:18)(Lk 22:39-41), in public (Jn 11:41-42)(Jn 12:27-30), before meals (Mt 26:26)(Mk 8:6)(Lk 24:30)(Jn 6:11), before important decisions (Lk 6:12-13), before healing (Mk 7:34-35), after healing (Lk 5:16), to do the Fathers will (Mt 26:36-44), among other things. However, its quite the opposite. He, she, it, they, them, same. Lu. Most of us, if we were in His shoes, would probably reason that there was so much work to do that we couldnt afford the time for that. But how many of us, in such a situation, would have the presence of mind, and heart, to discern and prioritize prayer as Jesus did? Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Yes Jesus did pray many times, in the garden of Gethsemane , before feeding the five thousands. He emphasized the need for prayer and spending time in God's presence. Its how he prepared for important ministry events. But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. Jesus, like many of us, was either unable or unwilling to spend large amounts of time away from His responsibilities. All of John 17 is his prayer for his disciples, in their hearing. Jesus also took time off when He faced an intimidating task. The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). How many days did Jesus spend in the wilderness? And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. "When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him (Mark 14:21), he said. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:15-16; see also Mark 1:45), Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. (Mark 2:13), One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples walked along. (Mark 2:23), Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. (Mark 3:7), Jesus went out to a mountain side to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Lukes Gospel tells of one time when Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28). Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Mountains were solitary places and Jesus needed a quiet place to pray - to talk to His Father, to commune with Him, to receive strength and guidance from Him. [email protected] Jesus wearied of constant people-contact just as we do. [Jesus walked 90 miles from Galilee to Jerusalem, which gave him about five days in solitude. Retire quietly. When you read the gospels, you find a whole lot of action. This may sound spiritual, but when we consider that Jesus Christ Himself, who surely was needed if anyone was, and whose work was vitally important if anyones was, still made time to get away. Ministries By giving to. Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all believers . So also Matthew. He emphasized the need for prayer and spending time in God's presence. Jesus teaches the people out of Peter's ship; shows how he will make them fishers of men; eats with sinners, as being the physician of souls; foretells the fasting and afflictions of the apostles after his ascension; and illustrates the matter by the parable of patches. Usually such nights took place before a decision or crisis in the Savior's life (Mark 1:35). Guideposts founder Norman Vincent Peale shares simple steps to get more out of prayer and improve your relationship with God. Our Savior and our Lord was not so busy that He couldnt take time out to withdraw. He prayed for wisdom and guidance in His earthly ministry. I encourage you to withdraw yourself regularly into your place of prayer and enjoy the blessing of living in the presence and power of God. Our Lord Jesus to Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta on January 24, 1926 (Vol. With all the crowds that constantly wanted His attention, He could not give Himself to them 24/7 without frequently taking time to isolate Himself and talk to His Heavenly Father. These seven moments when Jesus prayed can help us, as we see that occasions and opportunities for prayer are all around us, wherever we go and whatever we do. When evening came, He was there alone (Matt.14:22-23). And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed ( Luke 5:16 KJV) Jesus' life has volumes to teach us about God and man; the Gospels record both His way of life and ministry. In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. how many times did jesus withdrew to pray . However, I do not interpret these verses in this way. If not, we have reason to question whether our faith is real. He is our life! Jesus invites us to join him in his solitude so we can know God as Abba too and share his love with others. If He had to do it, how much more us! Answer (1 of 14): According to the NIV Exhaustive Concordance, the word pray is used 121 times, not including the various conjugations of the verb. And to accompany prayer, he not only modeled fasting (Matthew 4:2), but assumed his men would fast as well (when you fast, not if, Matthew 6:1618), and even promised they would (then they will fast, Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35). As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. Jesus didn't only retreat to be alone with God. 13 When Jesus heard about it, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, Sit here until I have prayed.. Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2). From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. We follow His example when we pray in paineven when our prayers are inartful or inarticulate. Luke also makes it unmistakable that this pattern of retreat and reentry was part of the ongoing dynamic of Christs human life. Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular. Apparently, He considered the time spent in those prayer sessions a worthwhile investment. What Does There Is No Condemnation Mean. It never happened. At dusk, dawn, and . But Jesus did just the opposite. His acts of receiving the word, and responding in prayer, were not ends in themselves. Above all else, Jesus lifestyle is a clear revelation of what God looks like. He lived a life so intertwined in fellowship with His Heavenly Father that He always knew what God wanted for that day. So He maintained a wise rhythm in the midst of His busy life. Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. Our website content is FREE and our print magazine price has not been raised in over 20 years because of the generosity of people like you! (Mark 6:45-46) Sometimes we hear some people say something like, I dont make set times for prayer, but I pray all the time. 7)When in Pain Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. See also Mark 3:13), Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. There are 650 prayers listed in the Bible. Copyright JesusAlive.cc All rights reserved. Even though Jesus was Gods Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.. Roberts greatest weakness was his white-hot intensity. Jesus did not have his own personal material copy of the Bible, like almost all of us do today. Three times Jesus prayed that, if it be possible, the cup of suffering might be taken from him. Many Bible scholars say that Mark tell his gospel in a hurry. He did not wait until the crowds were gone and no one was left to debate with him. 3. What was written animated his life, and when he withdrew, he went to speak to his Father in prayer. This was as much a part of His life and ministry as healing, teaching, and mentoring His disciples. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Would love your thoughts, please comment. . And so do we today. And now that you belong to Christ (true Christian), you are the true children of Abraham. And as he was praying, heaven was opened (Luke 3:21 NIV). There are two types of Christians who rarely withdraw for such prayer. Start with these examples, and youre sure to discover more of your own. He demonstrated how to live in the Kingdom of God a life of righteousness, peace and joy. McKinney, TX 75070 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.. Well, not quite. occasions and opportunities for prayer are all around us, The Most Powerful Prayers in Just One Syllable. Often it means moving from a higher level of action and activity to a situation where there is less action, or perhaps no action at all. David Mathis is executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at. Can we learn about prayer from noticingwhenJesus prayed? 2. As a believer, thats what is available to us on a daily basis. How many time did Jesus pray? I think this is vitally important for every one of us. How often do we try to face such weighty moments all on our own, rather than turning to God for wisdom and guidance? If he was not traveling, he was preaching, and usually more than once a day. In any case, we can learn from Jesus that prayer in lonely places can temper our loneliness when were missing someone. He went off alone to pray. And He will divide the booty with the strong; Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You. ], When [Jesus and his disciples] had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Mark 14:26). Jesus, Himself, said that He can do nothing of His own, but only what His Heavenly Father shows Him. Mark 1:35 Verse Concepts In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you." (Galatians 3:26-29 NLT) "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. laying our needs, trivial and otherwise, before God. One of such habits was regularly visiting the Synagogue (Luke 4:16). Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God (Luke 6:12). Jesus prayed often. In, on, among. But instead He would heal some people and then disappear into the wilderness for a while. Roberts became a catalyst for revival in Wales in the early twentieth century. 2023 Joy Fountain Christian Movement Inc. - Matthew 14:13 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all that they had done. You are here: Home. (Here is the entire list and where they can be found.) A day without being refreshed by the Fountain of Living Waters? In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. He faced the need to die for the sins of men, He prayed even harder. 15 When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take himby force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain byhimself. In his timeless Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught all his hearers, including us today, not only to give without show (Matthew 6:34), and fast without publicity (Matthew 6:1718), but also to find our private place to seek our Fathers face: When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. Surely some of us would have skipped or shortened our private disciplines to rush and bless the swelling masses. (Luke 22:39), They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, Sit here while I pray. "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.read more.I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. See also Mark 4;1. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God . Continue, Read More The River and the RiversContinue, Read More The Spirit of God Moved upon the Face of the WatersContinue, Read More What Is The Difference Between Believing And Faith?Continue, Read More How the Spirit Produces Faith in Our HeartsContinue. Jesus consistently kept a habit of regular prayer. It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.. See also Mark 8:27), Jesus went on from there and walkedbeside the Sea of Galilee. (Lk 24:50-53) He blessed the disciples before His Ascension. The New Testament refers numerous times to how important it was for our Lord Jesus to get away and spend time with His Father. Before rehearsing Jesuss patterns in retreating for prayer and then reentering for ministry, we should observe the place of Scripture in his life. Such a crucial decision prompted an all-night prayer session. Read an excerpt from 365 Days of Prayer now. There is a tremendous harvest going on in the world these days, and we are privileged to be a part of it. Patrick Oben Ministries Inc is the teaching ministry of Dr. Patrick Oben based in Ankeny, Iowa. Jesus wanted some time alone to pray. His prayer life came natural to him. There is no blessing on laziness and little blessing on lazy Christians. Here they are, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Its how he began his ministry. In Your Best Life in Jesus Easy YokeI feature Bible studies on how to join Jesus intimacy with his Father to have his peace and power in all we do. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. When evening came, he was [still] there alone. (Matthew 14:23; see also Mark 6:46), [Jesus] entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. (Mark 7:24), Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, Who do the crowds say I am? New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. (Mt 26:26) At the Lords Supper. ''Luke 6: 12'' After He fed the 5000, He withdraws to be alone with God. Amen. 5)In Concert with Others Luke 22:42. Pastors and ministers who serve full-time in ministry positions are especially guilty of this. A: Most Jews believed (and still believe today) they had a duty to pray 3 times a day. Pray without show and without posturing (Matthew 6:57). And if Jesus, even Jesus, carved out such space in the demands of his human life, shouldnt we all the more? He was truly about His Fathers business, and the young teacher and rabbi was a man of action. (Two examples are found at: Matthew 26:39+42 and John 17:1-26) How many times times do Muslims pray . Luke 5:16 Verse Concepts