What gives you true identity? The Journey Podcast launches a new season tomorrow; be sure to join me for a conversation with Alex Presley as he shares the story of his search for significance after his professional baseball career. Download the podcast at ronmoore.org/podcasts.

Here’s a question I ask myself often—Why don’t I spend more time talking with God? I have my excuses, but they are empty rationalizations. Jesus made talking to his Father a priority.

Mark 1:35
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.

Jesus had just called his first disciples and launched his public ministry. At Capernaum, he preached at the synagogue. The listeners were amazed at the authority by which he spoke.

Imagine the Word opening the Word!

After teaching in the synagogue, Jesus went to Peter’s house, where he healed Peter’s ailing mother-in-law. The news spread throughout the whole region, and by evening, “the whole city was gathered together” at Peter’s front door (Mark 1:33). It was a busy day. But for Jesus, being busy was not an excuse. He didn’t cram prayer into his schedule; it started his schedule. The next morning, Jesus got up early, found a place by himself, and talked to the Father.

Now, let’s be careful here. Don’t take from this passage that praying by yourself in the dark is the formula for “successful” prayer and will automatically place you with the spiritually elite (whoever they are). There are two important principles to understand from this passage.

Two prayer principles:

• While it is important to communicate with God throughout the day, it is also important to have time to be alone with him. I don’t know what time works best for you, but secure and guard your best time.
• A private place for you may be a secluded area in your home, the woods behind your house, or enjoying your special drink in a coffee shop. You may be sitting, kneeling, walking, running, lying prostrate on the floor, or a combination of the above. The point of the “desolate” place is focus. Where and how can you give God your undivided attention?

Father, you have created us all differently. Help us find the best time and place to pray. Give us the desire to meet with you every day and then keep the conversation going. In Jesus’ name. Amen.