Read Mark 1:35-39

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. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"

Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else — to the nearby villages — so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Reflect

Jesus says the reason for his coming was to spread his message to many people. But before he embarks on that work, he takes time away to pray quietly on his own. Do you ever feel a conflict between service to others on the one hand, and things like worship and prayer on the other?

Respond

Ask God how these two things might work together in your own life, how disciplines like prayer might best prepare you to do the good works God has for you to do.