AN ISOLATED PLACE TO PRAY
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Mark 1:35 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Jesus was gaining in popularity and many people were wanting to hear Him teach.
During this period of popularity Jesus finds “an isolated place to pray.” What a lesson.
Life can get overwhelming with schedule demands. There always seems like there is something to do to fill our time. Years ago, a wise man said, “your calendar will always be full, the question is, who will fill it?”
I have learned that many people want to fill my calendar with what they deem as important. If I’m not careful I am rushing from one meeting to another and missing out on things that are the most important.
Jesus decided that time away in an isolated place for pray was the top priority. I believe there were at least two reasons Jesus had this practice which is documented multiple times in the Gospels. First, He was the Son of God Jesus but also living in human flesh. He had to be sure to keep that flesh under submission to the Father.
Secondly, I believe Jesus wanted to set a pattern for us as an object lesson. He wanted us as followers of Christ to see that setting aside time for prayer in isolated places is important. If we are following Jesus, we need to follow to the isolated places.
The Son of God had to set aside time to refresh Himself. Why do I think I can keep going with no time for renewal?
After His time away Jesus told his disciples it was time to go somewhere else. Jesus understood His mission and purpose and was willing to say no to some folks to say yes to others. We need to be willing to say no to some things that are good—but not the best.
We need to understand our unique gifts, talents, abilities, and calling. Only then can we determine—with God’s help—when to say yes and when to say no.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit You are my Guide and Teacher. I ask for Your help today in finding time to sneak away for prayer—I need to connect with God daily. I also ask You to help me direct my day. Help me to accomplish Your desires with my day. Let my thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions be ordered by God.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”