Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)
Jesus often went off to a deserted place to pray, often very early before dawn or in the night. In a time that was quiet and in a place he would not be disturbed, he took time to connect with his Father.
In this Year of Prayer, it is good for us to consider when and where we pray.
I have found that if I don't set a time and place for prayer, I'm unlikely to "get to it" in the busy-ness of the day. For me, the best time to pray is early in the morning. I am a morning person, so I enjoy the stillness of the morning. Family members are still sleeping. I am refreshed from the night's sleep. I feel a natural drawing to God. I love to sit by the fire in my living room, the light and warmth reminding me of God's presence.
While I am usually too caught up in and distracted by my activities in the middle of the day, there there is an advantage to taking a prayer break in the course of the day. It gives me an opportunity to step away and re-connect with God. When I do make time for prayer throughout the day, I am better able to focus on tasks and conversations with others.
I also like to pray before going to sleep. Usually it's just a short prayer because I am tired and my body craves rest. Even if it's a simple "Good night, God," it's important for me to pray as I lie down and before (or as) I close my eyes.
We are still in the beginning of the new year. It is a good time to make a commitment to praying every day. Schedule time with God when it is best for you. Find a location in which you can connect with God. Whenever or wherever you decide to pray, make time to sit with God, have a conversation or simply be quiet. Then open yourself to the grace of God flowing through your being.
