The first chapter of Mark describes the life of Jesus racing along at a frantic pace.

Jesus calls disciples, casts out demons, heals one sick person and then everyone that crowds around the door from the whole city. You might say His life and ministry were quite busy. And then, still in chapter one of Mark, it all slows down for a while.

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He 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.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Mark 1:35-39

In the midst of the crazy pace in life – sandwiched between demanding days – Jesus sought out a deserted place, and there he prayed. Jesus, God in human flesh, seemed to model Sabbath rest in His life. Just when the pace was overwhelming Jesus sought out some solitude and he was refreshed and ready for the next adventure in life.

Is today going to be one more busy day in a string of busy days? Does it seem that there is no time to rest? Then it may be best to make time to rest, and pray. We might want to welcome a deserted place.

Prayer

God, my Maker, help me to treasure the times of solitude as an opportunity to be refreshed in Your presence, as I prayerfully seek Your word and Your will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.