The Gospel of Mark: Pray & Proclaim
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. ~ Mark 1:35-39 At this point, Jesus has earned some alone time I'd say. As a teacher, healer, preacher, he knows the value - the necessity - of time to pray. Time alone to connect with God and to revive the spirit. Yet he isn't left alone for long. At this point, notice that Mark hasn't called Simon and the others "disciples." They are companions. They are following Jesus, but don't yet have that intimate title we are used to hearing from them. But already they know the work Jesus does is important (