40 DAYS of Prayer – Day 10

THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST 

MARK 1:35-39 

Let’s imagine that it’s early Saturday morning, still dark. You’re completely exhausted from being out way too late the night before with friends after a football game. As you lay there half asleep, you suddenly remember that today is the day. Your childhood best friend is back in town! You’ve missed them so much since their dad had to take a job several states away two years ago. After weeks of planning, you both have convinced your parents to let them tag along on one of their dad’s business trips so you could meet up. 

The problem is the only time you can meet is early this morning. You’re completely exhaust ed, but it doesn’t really matter. You jump out of bed, quickly get ready, and head out to meet them for breakfast. A few hours only feel like a couple minutes, but it’s so nice just to spend time talking and catching up. Soon it’s time to go, but you are desperately looking forward to the next time that you can talk together. 

In this passage, we get a glimpse into the prayer life of Jesus. Jesus loved spending time with His Father. Even though He was probably always physically exhausted from helping people, He found time to sneak away and pray. His personal comfort was secondary to a deep longing to connect with God alone. 

PRAYER POINTS: 1. Do you want the same love for prayer that Jesus had? If so, ask God for it right now.

2. Jesus understands feeling pressure from others, but He didn’t let that distract Him from praying and keeping focused on His calling. List some things that distract you from your prayer time. Offer these things to God and ask Him to help you focus.

3. Jesus went to a solitary place to pray. Find a spot where you can pray daily without distraction. Practice praying there this week. 

» by Bobby Fannin