August 16

Today’s Reading - Mark 1:35-39

The demands on Jesus’ time were rigorous — long days spent teaching and healing, huge crowds following Him wherever He went, traveling from town to town spreading the message of the coming kingdom of God. Rarely was there down time and never a day off. Yet Jesus often sought out places and times of solitude, moments to spend in prayer to His Father. It was important, no, vital for Him to do so. He longed for that communion with God and for the renewal of mind and spirit that came from it. That special relationship with God that Jesus enjoyed is one that He also came to make accessible to us. Through Him, we can approach God in prayer as His children.We, too, can know the renewal and comfort that comes through communion with the Father. We must only learn to seek out those places of solitude and yearn for those quiet times with God.

How has your prayer life impacted your relationship with God?