February 22, 2014 (Numbers 10, 11; Psalm 27; Mark 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35 NLT)
Observation: After a long day of proclaiming the Good News at the synagogue Jesus went to Simon and Andrew’s home where He healed Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever. Then after sunset many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Him. The whole town gathered at the door to watch Jesus work. He healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and He cast out many demons. Surely this went on well into the night. Yet, early the next morning Jesus got up and went to an isolated place to pray. While the disciples were sleeping in, Jesus was praying. While the disciples were tending to the carnal needs, Jesus was tending to Spiritual needs. Jesus demonstrated to us the example of how we need to pray. If Jesus found it necessary to isolate Himself from outside distractions often for times of prayer shouldn’t we?
Application: Do you pray? I’m sure most of us would quickly answer “Yes!” to that question. But do we really pray? Do we intentionally make time to isolate ourselves from outside distractions and seek to be alone with God like Jesus did? I think most of our prayers are more like a list of wishes and desires that we quickly rattle off to God expecting Him to jump right to our request. Is that what we think Jesus was doing early that faithful morning when His disciples came looking for Him? (Mark 1:37) Was He there alone with God letting Him know His daily request? Somehow I just don’t have that mental image in my head. In fact, the image within my mind is a humble Jesus seeking strength from the only One that could provide what He needed. I see Jesus praising God for the miracles that were performed the day before and thanking Him for what all He was going to do later that day. I’m convicted as I type these words because I know it’s been quite a while since I really prayed.
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for the way I’ve treated prayer. Forgive me for not intentionally setting time aside often for time with You alone away from outside distractions. Place a desire within me to commune with You. Lord, teach me how to pray, correctly. Help me understand that prayer is more than a list of all my request; it’s a time of spiritual nourishment that only You can provide. Thank You for Your grace and mercy that provide and protect me every day, in Jesus name, Amen!