Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Mark 1:35 (The Daily Life Bible)
Jesus had only three years to accomplish His life’s purpose. His days were filled with activities such as healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and preaching in the synagogue. He taught to the masses, fed thousands, dined with society’s outcasts, ministered to individuals, comforted the grieving, and raised their dead to life.
Jesus had much work and little time. He could have crammed activity into every spare moment, but no. He made time for prayer, and He made it a priority.
Scripture tells us that Jesus spent time alone in prayer very early in the morning. He got up, left the house, and withdrew to a solitary place, where He conversed with His heavenly Father. He did so at night too.
Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Seems he understood Jesus’ heart and the importance of seeking God’s help for the tasks on his to-do list.
Do we value prayer, or are we so bent on completing our work that we’re too busy to withdraw for conversations with the Father? Our life’s work is important, but prayer is the real work. Engaging in it invites our Father to direct our steps, guide our conversations, and make divine connections. It ensures we stay on task and thereby accomplish the work He’s given us to do.
Faith step: Purpose to spend five minutes in specific prayer each day and track the results.
