This post is part of a 40-day journey following Jesus in his prayer life. We’ll explore virtually every reference in the Gospels to Jesus and prayer. For a more in-depth treatment, see my book Prayers from the Pit.
That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 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. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’ And he said to them, ‘let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’ And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons” (Mark 1:32-39 ESV).
The “whole city” disembarks at Peter’s door—an endless line of the sick and the suffering. In response Jesus heals them. Jesus cleanses them.
But not all of them. The next morning “everyone is looking” for Jesus. There are still injuries to repair. There are still demons to remove. Everyone is still looking for Jesus. Yet as those in need draw near to Jesus, Jesus retreats from them. Jesus trades “activity” for “receptivity.” He stops giving so that he might start receiving. Jesus prays.
There are times when life must be about receptivity, not activity. Prayer makes this possible. Sometimes the best thing we can do seems like doing nothing—prayer.
How is the balance between receptivity and activity in your spiritual life? Spend a few moments right now in prayer. Receive the rest and perspective that only come through prayer.
