Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.” 

Our church is focusing on a 21-day time of corporate and individual prayer. I am finding it to be a very rich experience and one that we should all continue daily from now on. For years, I have gotten up early and prayed in the morning before the daily events and tiring activities of the day exhausted me. As a leader, it provides a private time with the Lord to reflect, plan, and communicate in the quiet and stillness of the morning. It can focus us on the events and challenges of the upcoming day and find the heart and mind of Jesus.  Jesus is our example, and we should do the same for our families.  Let your children see you and give them this example.

We should follow the example of Jesus and be willing to give God this time of personal communication and relationship at the start of our day.  Jesus got up early to pray for the benefit of those whom he led and to be obedient to the work of the day God was to place before him.  Elisabeth Elliot said this, “Things happen which would not happen without prayer.  Let us never forget that.”  When we begin our day with prayer, we will have a better chance of ending the day with praise because we serve a faithful God.