And so, giving but few hours to sleep, He rises long before daybreak to pray.

But aching limbs and weary mind are to Him as nothing in comparison with the longing of His pure and holy spirit for the refreshing streams of heavenly grace. After so laborious a day as that just closed, and with the prospect of another equally trying, the Saviour must have sorely needed rest. Our Lord sets us here a notable example of prayer in spite of hindrances. The scene-“a solitary place.” Besides taking delight in the common prayers of the Church, and lifting up the heart secretly even in the most public thoroughfares, the man of God has his private oratory, into which he enters and shuts the door, and pours forth his soul in the presence of his Heavenly Father, laying bare his most secret feelings, confessing his inmost faults, making known his every trouble and desire.ģ. The saints in every age have loved to give their freshest thoughts to God, and to seek His aid before the duties of the day begin.Ģ. The time selected-“the morning, a great while before day.” No time could be more favourable for private communion with God-the body refreshed by its recent repose, the mind in its vigour, the passions at rest, the whole surroundings so calm and tranquil. (4) His complete submission to the Father’s will ( Matthew 26:39 Mark 15:34 Luke 22:42 John 12:27).ġ. (3) For Himself and His disciples as one with Him ( John 17). His blending of thanksgiving with prayer ( Matthew 11:25 Luke 10:21 John 11:41). Christ’s prayers in general.-Eighteen times our Lord’s own prayers are spoken of in the Gospels, bringing out the following facts respecting them.ġ. Now he fills up the picture with a view of Jesus in solitary communion with His Father, lifting up His eyes unto the heavenly hills from whence came His daily inspiration and motive-power. Mark has depicted in glowing colours the untiring activity of Him who “went about doing good” among men, instructing their ignorance, removing their woes, and infusing new hope into their burdened hearts. The mutual relations of prayer and work.-Hitherto St. MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.- Mark 1:35 A great while before day.-How Mark loves to emphasise the ceaseless activity and devotion of our Blessed Lord!

Prelude to Space by Arthur C. Clarke