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Listen while you read: "Forth In Thy Name"1 (Lyrics) |
Mark 1:35 – And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (KJV)
I find that there is something special about meeting the Lord in prayer early in the morning before the day breaks. When I rise out of bed at what seems to be an inconvenient time, to praise God and to seek His direction in prayer, my day is blessed. When I rise early and begin my day with prayer, I experience added benefits: the sweetness of communing with the Father, uncontaminated fellowship with the Son, and the fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is our example in all that we do. The Bible says that He got up early in the morning, before daybreak. He rose up and offered time in prayer as His sacrifice to God of the first fruits of His day. He went to a solitary place, a place apart. As busy as Jesus was on a daily basis, He realized that nothing takes the place of prayer. Jesus wanted to spend time with the Father, letting the Father know that He wanted more of Him.
Jesus also realized that our sacrifices do not go unrewarded. The Father always answers in a warm, loving, and kind way. His response will excite us to the point that we'll want to spend more of these times with Him.
The words to a familiar song are, "I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses." What a blessed quietness that we can find in meeting God in prayer this way! We can clearly hear His voice and be a blessing to His kingdom. There's a saying, "Try it — you'll like it." We say, "Try it — you'll love it."
Prayer: Father, in Jesus' name, help us to experience the joy and benefits of spending time with You in prayer at the start of the day. Tug at our hearts to make a decision to let early morning prayer be a priority. Draw us close to You as we sacrifice and embark on this journey. Thank You for the new thing that You are going to do in our lives as we meet You in Your blessed quietness. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – In Canada — Pray for those in small or rural churches, many of whom are struggling without adequate leaders or funds to minister to their communities. Give them faith and courage to reach out to neighbours and those who are not involved in worship and fellowship. Pray for their dependence on God to grow as they trust him for guidance and provision.
Pray: "December 3, 2024: Asking prayers for a young man , Ben who is suffering with brain cancer —..." 
Very true! Blessings.
Thanks, Marian, for the inspirational words.
Thank you, Marian, for this example and encouragement to talk to our Lord.
God bless you Marian Cain and Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
(Ontario, Canada)
Thank you so much for your kind words – I was greatly encouraged.
(TX)
Thank you for writing. Our mornings in Manitoba are dewy and fresh at this time of year. I often think of that song. Now I will remember your words as well. Enjoy today.
Marian, welcome! Thank you for the encouragement to make it a priority start the day with prayer. I know I need to do this before I check my daily calendar and enter the busy day.
Thank you for the wonderful inspiration you’ve given me today. May God richly bless your life.
(Arkansas USA)
A lovely devotional Marian Cain. Thank you.
“The Garden” was my dad’s favorite hymn. The words and tune immediately come to mind.
Thank you, Marian, for your message today. Yes, there is nothing better than starting our day in the morning with prayer and reflection on our Lord. Blessings for this very mindful devotional.
Thank you, Marian.
This brings to mind another great hymn – “Take Time to be Holy”.
Blessings,
(ON, Canada)
Good morning, Marian, and thank you for your devotional today which I have just printed off and am going to keep by my bed as a reminder that I am never too busy to start the day with quiet prayer with the Lord.
(Texas)
Good morning, Marian,
What a wonderful devotional this morning, there is indeed something special about early morning prayer. I am always amazed how often Jesus went away by himself to pray.
Thank you for these good words.
Blessings.
Good morning, Marian,
Thank you for sharing from your own personal experience of starting your day with early morning prayer with the Lord.
I believe starting my day with God helps me stay on track throughout my day because I have begun with a moment of calm, comfort, peace, and love. I don’t always feel this the whole day and I might forget to speak to God as often as I should in the day. Therefore, if I do start my day with God as my focus, I am better able to be on His path for me and not my own.
A good prayer in which we include remind God to “tug” us to enjoy that special time in the morning with Him. May you continue to encourage others. Blessings.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.