Mark 1:32-39 NRSVue

³²That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed by demons. ³³And the whole city was gathered around the door. ³⁴And he cured 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.

³⁵In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. ³⁶And Simon and his companions hunted for him. ³⁷When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” ³⁸He 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.” ³⁹And he went throughout all Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Jesus brought healing and truth to those who came to him in their need and went himself for healing and truth in his time of prayer. For him, there was no contradiction or distinction; his integrity was seen in the flow of his action and prayer.

Reflection
God, I bring before you all those who are too busy to pray. May we all learn to imitate Jesus who did what he could to meet the needs of those around him but never neglected his own need to spend time alone with you.