Prayer and preparation...

In the first chapter of Mark, Jesus was very busy publically, being tempted directly by satan, calling disciples, casting out demons, and healing multitudes. Then in Mark 1:35-38 He disappears for some serious prayer. This is one of the scriptures that really got me thinking about my prayer life. When was the last time I got up early, a long while before daylight, departed(left my comfort zone) to a solitary (no distractions) place and prayed???? And stayed there praying until people came looking for me? What did He say to them when they found him? "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."

So what was Jesus doing early in the morning at a solitary place, He was spending time with His Father in prayer and preparation for the mission! I can tell you from experience that this is a powerful way to start your day, it is difficult to be sure - but it is possible. This is a glimpse of the kind of "seeking" that Jesus talks about to His disciples later, He is modeling this to them now.

Quiet time with our Lord is a time for us to seek Him, away from things that distract us, at a time when He has our full attention, it is a time of preparation the Lord uses to ready us for His work. It is a time to be filled fresh and anew with His Spirit, grace, and power. When His disciples found Him - He told them -'Let's go, we need to be fulfilling our purpose, that's why we're here!

May the Spirit of the Living GOD be strong upon you today!