Rooster's Crow

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 ESV)

Jesus had begun His earthly ministry, and His fame was quickly spreading. So much so, that immediately preceding this morning, Mark described the entire city was gathered at the door. People were eager and desperate for healing and deliverance. Verse 32 states that the people brought “ALL who were sick or oppressed by demons” while the WHOLE city stood by watching. Everyone was coming to see Jesus work – whether it was in themselves or someone else.

Jesus, who turns away no one, was steadily healing and casting out demons. He was constantly pouring into others. But once a cup has poured out all of its contents, how can it continue to pour unless it is filled up? Jesus clearly understood this principle, as He arose before the crowds gathered to fill His own cup in prayer.

Jesus had no alarm clock that He could fight with a snooze button on a Monday morning. Perhaps the crow of a rooster served that purpose, but time in prayer with His father was so necessary, he woke up while it was still dark to search out a desolate place. He did not roll out of His bed or off His mat to say a quick prayer, but He got up and went to a desolate place – a place without other people, without demands, without distractions – so that He could pray.

If time alone with God at the beginning of the day, before anything else demanded His time, was so important to Jesus, how much more necessary is it to us as humans? If Jesus needed time in communion with God to complete His ministry, how can we possibly imagine that we can survive the day on our own without prayer?

“I know I need to, but…” is the common response with whatever excuse proffered. Why? Because we have allowed Satan to deceive us into thinking that all the distractions he throws in our way are more important than giving the first part of our day to our Creator and Savior. Satan understands the power of prayer, and he knows the weakness that abounds when prayer is not present.

Follow the example that Jesus set before you. Set aside time to spend in prayer at the outset of your day, while the things of the world are quiet. Instead of reaching for your phone first, reach for your Bible. Instead of hitting the snooze button, hit your knees. Intentionally set aside the first part of your day in prayer with your Father. Let Him speak to you. Learn about Him.

Being faithfully obedient in this area will cultivate a relationship with Him that you cannot imagine. Instead of cursing the rooster’s crow on a Monday morning, you will be thankful He has given you another morning to spend in His presence. You will be thankful for His mercies that renew every morning. You will be thankful for His love that calls you son or daughter. And you will be thankful for His promise, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20 ESV)