Today's Devotional
There are several places in the gospels where Jesus goes off alone to pray. In Mark 1, Jesus, as he often did, spent the previous day teaching, healing and removing “demons” from the people. His compassion was so profound that he couldn’t turn anyone away who came to him in need. But, as a human, it also took something from him.
What I see in this verse is that he needed his “alone” time with his father — not only to have someone who understood his problems, but to receive the strength and hope for the next day to continue his mission.
My husband had a lung problem. When he finally sought medical treatment, doctors told him he needed a transplant, but there was no time frame on having that accomplished. So, we were home with him having breathing problems. My daughter asked me one day how I was doing. I replied, “Who do you think I talk to when I am alone by your dad’s side at night wondering if he will draw another breath? God is always with me. I talk to him in prayer, and I feel the strength He gives me to get through the next day.”
It is enlightening to be reminded in scripture that being alone in prayer with God was a need that Jesus had and that it gave him strength for the next day. It reminds us that Jesus was also human and needed the same things we do. Jesus shows us that alone time with God is important. We seem to forget that in the busy times of life. We let “busy” take charge of our lives. It is important to find a quiet place and go to God in prayer. Only God can give us the strength we need for the next day, and He will do that with joy, because just like Jesus, we are His children.
— Patricia Broadstreet, South District Director of Lay Servant Ministries, CTC
Broadstw@gmail.com
