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.
— Mark 1:35

Thought Of The Day...
In the streaming series The Chosen, one episode depicts Jesus returning to a camp where he and his disciples are staying for the night. It is late, and Jesus has spent the day healing crowds of people. He stumbles into camp, exhausted from the day’s ministry. The disciples can only watch him, surprised at how tired he is. His teaching and healing work must have been exhausting. Though he was fully God, Jesus was also fully human, so he got tired and needed sleep (see Mark 4:38; John 4:6).
Our reading for today explains that after a long day of teaching and healing, Jesus rose early in the morning to pray. Jesus needed time to connect with his Father in prayer, resting in his Father’s presence and focusing on his purpose. He had come to do much more than heal people in Capernaum, even though that was clearly important while he was there. When the disciples went out and found him, he said, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Jesus spent time in prayer with his Father, and he remained focused on his purpose. If this was important to Jesus, it is certainly important for his followers too. Let’s be sure to spend personal time with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each day.

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, As I come before you in prayer, I am reminded of the example set by your Son Jesus in Mark 1:35. He rose early in the morning to spend time with you, to seek your presence and guidance. Lord, I too desire to devote my first waking moments to you.

I thank you for the gift of a new day, and for the opportunity to seek your face. As I start my day, I pray for your leading and guidance. May your Holy Spirit fill me with wisdom, discernment, and strength for the tasks ahead.

Just as Jesus withdrew from the demands of the world to seek your will, I too need to step away from the busyness and distractions of life to hear your voice clearly. Help me to prioritize my time and put you first above all things.

I pray for your grace and mercy to cover my weaknesses and failures. Strengthen me to live a life that pleases you, and to serve those around me with love and compassion, just as your Son did.

Thank you, Father, for your unfailing love and faithfulness. May my time spent with you bring me closer to you and help me to become more like Jesus. In His Jesus name, I pray. Amen.