Mark 1:29-39 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:29-39 on biblegateway.com
Verse 29As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Verse 30Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. Verse 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
Verse 32That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. Verse 33And the whole city was gathered around the door. Verse 34And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Verse 35In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Verse 36And Simon and his companions hunted for him. Verse 37When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." Verse 38He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." Verse 39And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Devotion
Where does one go to find Jesus today? In a complicated book of theology? In an art museum? In a church? Perhaps. But this text suggests an alternative: in prayer. Jesus’ ministry was taxing and tiring. Maybe ours is too, and we might take some time off or take a nap. But, like his early disciples, what we may need most of all is to be with Jesus.
When he had been in prayer awhile, he was prepared to go on with his work and to be found by those who were seeking him. Life can be difficult and frustrating. Some even go into a new vocation. What better way to deal with this than some time in prayer?
Prayer
Lord, I need and want to be with you each day. I know you are not hiding from me. I plan to show up regularly. Amen.