Devotion:
Read Mark 1:35-39.
After a successful and tiring beginning to Jesus' ministry, Jesus retreats to a deserted place to pray, to enter into communion with the One who sent him, to seek guidance and encouragement and support. Scripture tells us he got up before daybreak and went alone to pray. Notice the fault-finding attitude of the disciples when they found him – “everyone is searching for you” – as in, “where did you go…and why?” Their attitude might be reflective of ours when we get so busy with the demands of life that we forget to take time for solitude, individual worship, and prayer.
One of the greatest blessings I found over the past year was the contentment I experienced as I spent time in prayer and devotion. I have found solace each day in going to my back porch no matter the weather and taking my Bible and devotional materials, a cup of tea, and a blanket, and spending time reading a devotion, studying God‘s word, and praying. It has helped me to self-reflect and prepare me for the day ahead.
Jesus had a regular, disciplined time to be alone with his Father each day. His quiet time with his Father was intentional; it was a priority he built into his day, and it required his effort — effort to wake up early before everyone else, and effort to go out away from everyone else so he could talk with the Father by himself. If prayer was important for Jesus, then it must be important for his followers.
Personal Worship Option:
How intentional is your daily time with the Father? Commit now to set aside time each day to spend with the Father.
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