Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
Mark 1:35-37 NIV
How important is prayer in the life of the believer? It seems like most believers give lip service to its importance, but the practice is oftentimes lacking. You would think that if anyone did not need to pray it would be Jesus; after all, he was God. But here we find him spending time alone in prayer, in communion with the Heavenly Father. The importance of prayer in Jesus’ life is clear, nothing got in the way of his prayer time.
Jesus was in Capernaum where he had taught in the synagogue and healed a man. Later, the whole town gathered at his door and Jesus healed many, as well as casting out demons. Early the next morning they were back. But Jesus was gone. Where did he go? Out into a solitary place where he could pray. I do not know how often Jesus did this, but the Scripture does record him doing it at least a few times, and I suspect it was actually a regular habit on his part.
If Jesus, who is God in the flesh, felt the importance of getting away for prayer, how much more do we need to spend time in prayer before the throne of God. Find a time and place where you can pray undisturbed. Come before the Father and find peace and joy in his presence. Share your heart with him and find comfort. Seek direction from the one who knows you best, and who stands ready to walk with you along your life’s journey. Lift up your brothers and sisters in Christ, wrestling in prayer for them. Make prayer a priority in your life.
