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.’ (Mark chapter 1)
This was part of the Gospel reading for Morning Prayer on January 14th. The few verses are found in the midst of a passage where Jesus is busy doing ministry. He was healing, casting out demons, healing some more. In the middle of it all he got lost in a prayer in a deserted place. The disciples came looking for him and told him that everyone is searching for him, and he replies: “Let’s go…that’s what I came out to do.”
For me, it is a passage about the rhythm of the Christian life. Much of the time we are busy doing good things. We bring healing and deliverance to a world in dire need of it. Sometimes the schedule gets hectic and the demands are great.
In the midst of this life of ministry, we are called to prayer and called to get away. For years I worked as a pastor, and I tried to set time away from it all. Sometimes I scheduled a retreat and went to some holy place for a day or two to pray and rest. Sometimes that deserted place was my office with the door closed and instructions to leave me alone for an hour or two. Sometimes it was an early morning walk or late night stroll. That deserted place was essential to the rest of my life.
Now I work for a non-profit. I am still doing ministry, but it is quite different. It more like a 9 to 5 job. I have tasks and assignments that are different than years past, but it is a job fileld with service and servitude. Though i do not get as weary as I did as a pastor, and do not have the all-consuming tasks of shepherding a wild herd of sheep, I am still in need of a deserted place.
Sometimes it is taking time to read Morning Prayer before the day gets hectic. Sometimes it is a late night walk with the dog, or a stroll in the neighborhood. Sometimes it is a few minutes of deep breathing and centering prayer in a quiet afternoon.
I know that these short times of reflection help me get through the busy (and not so busy) days. I know most days that this what I am here to do.