Week of January 4, 2019

“Now In The Morning, Having Risen A Long While Before Daylight, He Went Out And Departed To A Solitary Place; And There He Prayed.” (Mark 1:35, NKJV)

It was common knowledge among the disciples that they would find Jesus praying. When they needed Him, they knew to go to the place of prayer. Every time Jesus faced an important discussion, He prayed first. When He was tempted, He prayed (Matthew 4). When it was time to choose His disciples, He prayed (Luke 6:12). Prayer preceded the miracles (John 11:42-43). Prayer brought Jesus encouragement at critical times. (Luke 9:28-31). Prayer enabled Him to go to the cross (Luke 22:41-42).

If the Son of God required time in prayer to determine the Father’s mind, then obviously it will require us to spend time in prayer to determine the Father’s mind. Crowds often surrounded Jesus; He knew He must find a quiet place so He could hear His Father’s voice clearly. Jesus had many people seeking to influence the direction of His life. His disciples wanted Him to go where the crowds were (Mark 1:37). The crowds wanted to crown Him King (John 65:15). Satan tempted Him to make compromises in order to draw a following, (Matthew 4:3, 6, 9). Jesus knew that His mission was not to attract a crowd but to remain obedient to His Father. Prayer set the agenda for Jesus’ ministry. Let’s follow the Savior’s example and let our time alone with God in prayer set the agenda for our lives.

God Bless, Pastor Rick