Imagine! God wants to talk with us!

It had been a full day! Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus went to the synagogue as usual. While he was teaching, a man with a demonic spirit interrupted him, so he cast out the evil spirit. Leaving the synagogue, he went straight to Peter’s house there in Capernaum where he healed his disciple’s mother-in-law. This brought crowds of people to the house. He healed them all and cast out even more demons. Finally he was able to retire, but early the next morning while it was still dark he “got up, left the house, and went to a lonely place where he could pray” (Mark 1:35). What does that tell us about ministry and about prayer?
       Jesus was fully committed to his role. It was a tiring day, but he did what was his to do. There is no indication that he drew back in anyway. Finally he was able to go to bed for a few hours of sleep, but while it was still dark he got up and went out to pray. This decision wasn’t because someone came and said, “I know you had a busy day, but it’s time to get up for morning prayers.” In a sense, the demonic man and the sick woman had called for immediate action. But when it comes to prayer, you and I might say that it had been a hard day and we would pray later on. Jesus knew that a time of prayer was more important than anything else. And I don’t mean to imply that he prayed because if he didn’t he would feel guilty (that’s the way it is with us). The desire to spend time with his Father was so great that he wouldn’t miss it for anything.
       What about the “lonely place” where he went? Why did he choose to go there?Perhaps to avoid distraction, but here is another possibility – The experience of prayer is so sacred that it calls for a solitude appropriate for the longing heart and its heavenly Father. I am sure God has no specific requirements of exactly where we should be when we pray, but in times of special need there is something about the quietness of no one else around that increases our awareness of God’s presence.
       Without doubt, the privilege of talking with God is the most unusual and remarkable experience of life here below. So hard to get your mind around. Here we are, individuals on this infinitesimal piece of “dust” called earth, talking with the One who spoke and all there is came into being. Okay, I can’t really get it, but it’s true. In prayer we receive the healing touch of God no matter what may be wrong, receive encouragement from the One who is waiting for us at the door of heaven, and experience just a tiny bit of the supernal joy that will be ours when we arrive.
       It is clear why Jesus got up early that morning. Remember that while he has always been the eternal Son of the triune God, he became man. What he wanted and needed is what we want and need as well. I believe I’ll take a little walk and talk with Him.