S) "35 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."
Mark 1:35 (NASB)
O) Even in the earliest parts of His ministry, Jesus would make time to get alone in prayer. This is repeatedly shown, as it was in this chapter, to happen when Jesus was ministering a lot. In the case above, Jesus had been ministering to the entire city into the evening. Doing work of ministry, though, is not the same as spending time in prayer, with the Father. Jesus was perfect, but even in His perfection He had a desire (although not a need, as we understand "need") to be alone, in prayer. The time He went is also notable, not simply that He went.
A) I routinely get up before sunrise, lately. By and large, this is for work, because I have an opening shift. I don't mind getting up early, but I'm not very well disciplined (I had a long and intimate relationship with my snooze button). But, because my job is on the line, I make it happen. My livelihood is at stake, so I discipline myself to get up. I should really be seeing my prayer life the same way, though. I made it a discipline to read my Bible daily, because of the truth that man does not live on bread alone but on the words of God. In the same way, I need to recognize (and respond accordingly) that my spiritual livelihood is at stake in my prayer life. Even if it's not before sunrise (although that will now be a very real goal), I need to make time some time for this kind of devoted, exclusive time with my God.
P) Father, You are worth all of my time. I am guilty of forgetting You, though. God, forgive me for undervaluing prayer with You. Change the discipline of my heart and mind and strength in this, Lord. I want to be wholly devoted in my prayer life, as well as in my study of Scripture. Let Your will be done, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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