In the morning, while it was still Very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.

Over the past couple of months, church member Connie Shipley and I have been continuing to meet with our church’s sixth graders in our Confirmation Class via Zoom. We’ve been talking with them about spending at least five minutes each day reading a chapter from the Bible and praying. (The young people have actually been amazing in practicing this discipline.)

But where do I find time each day and every day for this practice? I get busy (I tell myself.) I get lazy. I get forgetful. And then I get a reminder.

Over the past couple of days, Teresa and I have been sharpening our morning routine. She, as a teacher heading back on the elementary school campus, is getting up a little earlier these days. So am I. In fact, this morning, I got up just a little before the alarm rang, while it was still very dark outside, and I re-discovered that there were at least 5 extra minutes right there for the taking.

I have known that from times in the past when I had read Mark, chapter 1. Jesus modeled that in His life.

In the morning, while it was still Very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.

Maybe that’s how he stayed so hopeful.

Prayer

God, remind me how good and pleasant it is when I spend at least five minutes each day in conversation with you. Help me to walk (and kneel) on the path of discipleship as a I follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.