Not Asleep in a Chair    I read recently about a student who was excited for his new semester. He arranged his dorm room, purchased the finest books, got the latest computer and software, secured a desk, and got the most comfortable chair—and then he sat down in the chair and went to sleep. One point of that little story is that preparation without follow-through is disjointed.
   In St. Mark’s account of Jesus’ lesson in the synagogue, his travel to Simon’s house, and the healing of the people at the door were preparatory, Jesus did not seek out the man who was healed in the synagogue or the people at the door. He did not build his reputation on these events. “And exceedingly early, at night, while it was still dark, arising, he went out to a deserted place and there he was praying.” (Mark 1:35) He did not “sit in his chair and go to sleep,” so to speak, but instead followed up by submitting all his actions to the Father in prayer. It is likely that arising early to pray was a normal practice for him. He is often found praying early and in a quiet or secluded place.
   The emphasis in Mark’s account is not on the time or place of prayer, but on praying itself. Only the Father heard Jesus’ prayer, which is as it should be, but circumstances indicate that he had much to present to the Father: the danger of popularity, the selection of helpers, the coming itinerary, the nature of his ministry, and the confrontation with the enemy. The most important word in this account—it is a single word—is “he was praying.” Still an important word. Directory