JOHN SHIRK – From Mark 1:35.

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.

As we look at the life of Christ, we see His consistent devotion to the Father. He prayed regularly. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. Consistent prayer is an opportunity that God has provided for us to pour out the concerns of our heart, praise Him for His attributes, intercede on behalf of others, and confess our sins to Him.

Prayer keeps the communication lines open with God, where we not only speak to Him, but He also speaks to us through the counsel of His Word.  As we commit our lives to Him with a trusting heart, He directs our path.

As Jesus was praying in a solitary place, Simon and his companions went to look for him. When they found him, they exclaimed, “everyone is looking for you.” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else.” He was not driven by man’s agenda, but rather the will of His Father. After spending time with the Father, He was in tune with the Father’s plans for his day ahead.

Consistent prayer in a quiet place is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com