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Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted
place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued
him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told
them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there
also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their
synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole
of Galilee. Mark 1:35–39
Jesus’ prayer was unique. He did not pray because He needed God in
His life—He was and is God. Yet, in His human nature, He regularly
withdrew to be alone and to pray to His Father. Jesus’ prayer
teaches us two primary lessons.
First, Jesus’ prayer reveals Who He is. He is the Second Person of
the Most Holy Trinity. As a member of the Trinity, Jesus prayed in
solitude, not to become closer to the Father, for He and the Father
are eternally one in essence; rather, His prayer expressed and
revealed that perfect union to us. Unity with and love of the
Father are at the center of Who He is.
Though we are not God, we are made for oneness with God. This is
not an external invitation but an essential part of who we are and
who we must become. In Heaven, our lives will be one ongoing and
eternal expression of prayer—a perfect union with God. That union
must begin now, and the foundation of its growth is prayer.
By going off alone to pray to the Father, Jesus also models for us
the way to the Father. His action is prophetic, calling us to set
aside moments each day for nothing other than prayer. While we are
called to pray continually throughout the day, this habit is
nourished by intentional moments of silence in which we immerse
ourselves in God’s presence. In our fallen nature, daily moments of
focused prayer are necessary for clearing the distractions of life,
overcoming sin, and allowing God’s grace to draw us into deeper
union with Him.
Jesus’ prayer invites us to examine our own daily prayer life. How
often do you pray each day? How do you pray? Does your prayer
change you, transforming you into who God made you to be? Most
people easily find time every day for less important things, such
as entertainment, idle conversations, and daily work. Though these
things have their place, they must never overshadow that which is
most important. We must learn to pray and be faithful to prayer
every day.
One of the best ways to pray is to participate in the Mass. In the
Mass, we most fully share in Christ’s human life, sacrifice, and
divine presence. The Mass is the summit of prayer and the
foundation of our spiritual life. We receive Him into our lives as
we consume His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. To participate in
the Mass well, daily moments of prayer are essential. At times, we
must silence every other thought and actively offer our praise to
God. Meditation on the Word of God is also essential. Taking time
to read the Gospel, in particular, and meditating on those passages
disposes us to hear God’s voice. His Word counters the many lies
and temptations we face during our daily activities, preparing us
to live more fully as God’s sons and daughters.
Reflect today on your commitment to daily prayer by following
Jesus’ example. Resolve to find a moment of solitude in which you
silence your heart and simply dwell in God’s presence. Let this
time of prayer become the cornerstone of your day and a foretaste
of the union with God in Heaven for which you were created. Prayer
is not an option; it is the very path to becoming who we are meant
to be—united with God in love, now and for all
eternity.
My prayerful Lord, Your prayer revealed Your perfect union with
the Father and set an example for us to follow. Grant me the wisdom
and strength to remain faithful to daily moments of personal
prayer—times when I can simply be with You and express my love for
You. May these moments transform every part of my day, leading me
to greater charity here on earth and preparing me for perfect union
with You in eternity. Jesus, I trust in You.
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