A Restoring Conversation

Mark 1:35-37 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. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
 
WHY was “everyone” looking for Jesus? They wanted something from him, didn’t they? He is a healer! But for Jesus it was a time to stop and pray. How could he take time from healing when so many needed him?
   When we pay attention to Jesus’ ministry we see he was never too busy to pray. In fact, he could only remain effective to preach and to heal if he prayed. Jesus models for us that prayer is a vital element of a purposeful life. The gospels teach us that Jesus, Son of God, rose early in the morning before the sunrise, or he went late at night to be alone in prayer. Even though the Spirit had anointed him to ministry with the Father’s approval, the Son still needed time to directly speak through the Spirit to the Father. He could only be busy in ministry if we was first quiet in prayer.
   We may observe one reason for Jesus’ private conversations with the Father and Spirit was Jesus’ need for renewed strength. Healing hundreds and preaching to thousands required physical, emotional and spiritual energy. For example, when the woman with constant blood flow touched Jesus he exclaimed, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” (Luke 8:46) As fully man, God’s Son became weary in his working. To attend to the Father’s business, the Son needed the Father and Spirit to attend to him. Prayer was that time for Jesus. Prayer is that time for the LORD God to care for you.
   Be still in prayer, so you can absorb the Father’s love. When you are alone with God, you gain a greater sense of his restoring presence. Meditate on his Word. Consider he has granted his holy presence to you. You are his seed nurtured with Living Water. He wants to help you grow to understand his will for your life. Prayer is telling God the best use of your time is time with him.
What is your purpose in life right now? Being a mom? A dad? Being a good worker? Being a student? Being a business leader? Being a child of God? What is a good thing to do as you pursue your purpose?
   Of course, it is to pray for God’s strength, wisdom and faith in your purpose. Pray that God will attend to your needs and direct your desires. That is what Jesus models for you. That is the Father’s desire for you.