1. Early in the morning (35)

Jesus' popularity grew. People came to him from early in the morning until late at night. He healed all who came. But he had come to do God's will, not the will of the crowds; so he got up early in the morning to pray. He prayed for himself, for his disciples and for the crowds. He spent time with the Father. And he listened. Some people say that a regular time of prayer is not necessary--but it was for Jesus. How much more do I need to pray!

2. That is why I have come (36-39)

Jesus' disciples were caught up in the pressure of the crowds. Simon Peter even came looking for Jesus--the crowds were waiting. Jesus prayed and found God's direction. He had not come just to heal the physically sick; he had come to preach the word. So he left the milling, demanding crowd to travel around in Galilee and teach the word of God in the synagogues.

Application: Lord, help me to meet you in prayer each morning--to pray for your sheep and to find direction and strength for myself. And help me to listen.
One Word: Jesus got up early to pray