Have you been to the gas station when the tanker is refilling the tanks? It’s an inconvenience if they have to do their job while the station is open. I imagine the refilling job has to be stressful for the tanker drivers, too. They have to position their trucks just right onto those small lots while customers are driving all around them trying to get gas. To make matters worse, the owners and managers want him to hurry up so business can get back to normal.

Now consider that stress in this verse about the prayer time of Jesus. “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.” - Mark 1: 35, ESV.

Everyone wanted Jesus's attention after he had healed so many and taught the Bible with authority. They wanted something that he possessed. When Jesus was around crowds, there was a constant drain on His time, abilities, and energy. He was the tank of the people’s spiritual gas station.

That’s why He had to go to a desolate place very early in the morning to pray and get ready for the day. If He had waited until He was in town during regular hours of activity, He would have a hard time receiving direction from His Father. Can you imagine the frustration of those who needed His attention and the pressure of Jesus to shorten His time with the Father? He was wise in the time and place for prayer.

When do you pray and allow God to speak to you, filling your spiritual tank? On the way to work, while driving gets some of your attention? At school or work, when people demand your focus? At the table, when your food is screaming, “I’m getting cold down here!” During your sport, when the game takes every ounce of energy?

Your choice of prayer times and places matters. Be wise and make the most of it. The wise decisions will be a stress release for you. I bet early morning is still best. - Pastor Mike.

BTW, how does a pirate start his prayers? Arrrr Father.