The account in Mark 1:35-39 reads as follows:
35 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. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”38 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.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
What a thought. Early morning. Prayer. Listening to God to know His next step.
In the Book of Acts there are many references to pray that cause one to know the importance of prayer.
- In Acts 1:24, they prayed before choosing leaders.
- In Acts 4:23-35, they prayed for boldness and growth after being persecuted.
- In Acts 6:6 they prayed before choosing leaders.
- In Acts 9:40-42, they prayed for signs and wonders resulting in growth.
- In Acts 12:12 they prayed for the release of prisoners.
- In Acts 13:1-3, they prayed before setting aside the church planting team of Paul and Silas.
- In Acts 28:28, they prayed for signs and wonders.
Prayer was essential to the early church. (Acts 2:42-47)
And prayer is important today. Coupled with prayer is the ever-increasing need to hear from God and know His purpose.