“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Every time I read this verse, I am challenged about my own prayer life. Jesus had so much to do (Simon and the others are coming to find him (v36); there is the preaching ministry (his priority, v38), and there are the growing, demanding crowds (v44). Yet, he found time to pray. A few thoughts:
- He is the perfect Man, who is God. Jesus’ divinity did not negate his need to pray, for he was (and is) also fully man. He shows us perfect humanity – and perfect humanity needs divine help. We are not perfect people; we face an internal battle with sin, alongside the challenges of living in this world. So surely we need to follow in our Master’s footsteps.
- He prioritised prayer. He found a time (and a place) where he could pray undisturbed. In our busy lives and world (and the constant interruptions of electronic devices), we need to seek a place and a time where we can pray without interruption, and speak to our Father who is in heaven. The time and place may be different from Jesus, but we need a regular time and place.
- Other things may demand our attention. Peter was wondering what Jesus is doing. Yes, there may be things that demand attention, but without praying these things will simply be done in our own strength. Let’s resist the temptation to always be active doing things. We need to be people of prayer first, and then people of action.
As with reading the Bible regularly, this is a challenge, and it is easy to come under condemnation when we fall short. But, praise God, all our sins (including our lack of prayer) are cleansed through Jesus work on the cross, and he is still praying for us. So, as those who are cleansed from sin, and clothed in his righteousness, let’s follow in his footsteps and regularly come to our heavenly Father in prayer.