March 18

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Jesus the Son of God was a man of prayer. It is striking to read in the New Testament how CONTINUALLY HE CALLED ON THE FATHER, maintaining constant fellowship. Today’s text tells us that in order to have time FREE FROM DISTRACTIONS, He rose up a great while before day. As in all things, HE IS THE PATTERN for each Christian. In today’s world, bombarded as we are with work, cell phones, news media and the numberless distractions of everyday life, WE MUST TAKE TIME for fellowship with our heavenly Father. If Jesus felt that it was necessary and desirable, how much more should we. Our verse today tells us that He departed and went out INTO A SOLITARY PLACE. It is good if possible, to have a place that you can be alone with God in prayer, free from interruptions and distractions. YOUR PRAYER LIFE IS ESSENTIAL if you are to have fellowship with God and avoid the countless pitfalls and temptations that beset us daily. “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” Matthew 26:40

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30