"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up,
left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed."
- Mark 1:35 (NIV)
In this short but powerful verse, we see a glimpse into the prayer life of Jesus. Despite His busy ministry—teaching, healing, and serving the crowds—He made time to be alone with the Father. Not only did He pray, but He did so early in the morning, before the day even began. Jesus prays in solitude, before choosing the disciples, before feeding the five thousand, and before His crucifixion. Jesus constantly sought time alone with the Father, showing us the importance of prayer in our own lives.
Why Would Jesus Pray So Early?
- To Stay Connected with the Father – His relationship with God was at the center of everything He did.
- To Seek Strength and Guidance – Jesus faced constant demands from people. Spending time with God refreshed and empowered Him for the day ahead.
- To Model the Importance of Prayer – Jesus didn’t just tell His disciples to pray. He showed them how essential it was by doing it Himself.
"But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray."
- Luke 5:16 (NASB)
Peace Before the Chaos
In the quietness of the morning, before the noise of the world takes over, prayer creates a space for peace and renewal. Starting the day with an intentional time with God allows us to center our hearts and minds, preparing us to face whatever comes with a sense of calm and assurance. We first align ourselves with His presence - instead of rushing into the demands of work, family, and responsibilities - gaining clarity and focus. Prayer brings clarity, and focus, helping us reduce anxiety and stress while filling us with His perfect peace.
"Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane,
and he said to his disciples, 'Sit here, while I go over there and pray.'"
- Matthew 26:36 (ESV)
Spiritual Strength
Spending time with God equips us with the inner strength needed to navigate life’s challenges. Just as our bodies need food for physical energy, our souls require spiritual nourishment to remain strong. Time with God renews our spirit, and prepares us to face life’s challenges with faith. We are reminded that God is our refuge and strength as we draw from His wisdom, and grace. Like Jesus, we can experience the incredible benefits of prayer. The key to pray like Jesus is to set aside quiet, intentional time with God—whether it’s in the morning, during a lunch break, or in the evening.
"Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished,
one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.'”
- Luke 11:1 (ESV)
Here are a few ways to cultivate this habit:
- Start small – Even 5-10 minutes of prayer can make a difference.
- Find a quiet space – Just like Jesus sought solitude, remove distractions.
- Use Scripture – Read a verse and let it guide your meditation and prayer time.
- Be consistent – The more you prioritize prayer, the more natural it becomes.
"He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed.”
- Luke 22:41 (NIV)
Jesus showed us that prayer is not just a duty—it’s a lifeline. By following His example, we can draw closer to God, find strength for our daily challenges, and walk in His peace.
So tomorrow morning, before the world wakes up, take a moment to step away, breathe, and spend time with your Father—just like Jesus did.