“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. Every time I read this verse, I think about how often my most sincere prayers are offered to God from “a desolate place”. Not a physically desolate place, as described in the passage, but a place of desolation in my soul. Frankly, my best prayers are usually prayed when I am desperate. I truly admire those whose prayer life is a peaceful, sweet place of worship and fellowship with God, and I’m thankful to have those moments as well. But I’ve also come to truly love and highly value those raw, intense moments of prayer in a desolate place. LORD God, You are wise beyond describing, creating each of us with unique needs and unique grace. I praise You and desire to know Your ways more and more.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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