He Prayed in a lonely place

He Prayed in a lonely place

“In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went of to a lonely place and prayed there.”  (Mark 1: 35)  

Christ teaches us about prayer by word and example.  These are some of the elements:  
He got up early to pray.
He went to his closet to pray.
He prayed with simple words.

It has been noted by many writers including Documents of Vatican Council II that Christ’s actions are commentary on his words and vice-versa.  What Christ did, he taught.  In the Wisdom books, the Holy Spirit advises us to rise early and commune with God.  Jesus taught that we pray in our closet, far from the madding crowd.  Pray with simplicity because you are talking to a Father who already knows what you need and wants to give it to you, he taught.  

Peter speaking of Cornelius in Acts 10: 4, says, “God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity and is ready to answer you.”  May God be pleased with our prayers and our works of mercy and answer our prayers.