Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Mark 1:35 (NIV)
Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place
35 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.
Luke 21:37-38 (NIV)
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
“What may be the best time of day to listen to God?” “Why might you think so?”
Jesus, Your first priority was Your relationship with God the Father and you demonstrated how secluded time to pray renewed Your strength and gave You direction. Thank You for giving me the same ability to be in a personal relationship with You through prayer. Help me to organize my day to dedicate quality time with You. Help me not fill the quiet time with my voice but to wait in anticipation and Listen for Yours. During that time I pray that you open my heart and mind to receive Your guidance and strength from Your Holy Spirit. May I be filled with compassion as I pray for those in need and seek to live in Your will. In Your Holy Name, Amen