Mark 1:35  Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. (NLT)

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I love early mornings. The final hours before dawn are my favorite time of day. Days like yesterday reinforce this disposition. Ollie the Border Collie and I took our walk while the sun was just beginning to take over for the harvest moon. The moon lingered in its loveliness, welcoming its fiery friend. 

There was a tinge of autumn in the air. Leaves are turning and falling. Our hearty companions joined us here and there along the trails. 

Many books and articles on productivity suggest the importance of becoming an early riser. Books have been written about the 5 AM Club. Most of us who qualify for that club aren’t very interested in hanging out with others at that time. We enjoy our solitude until we’ve had a couple of cups of coffee. Join us for breakfast around 6:30, and we can talk.

It makes me laugh when I attend events and breakfast is not served until eight or nine o’clock. Second Breakfast, maybe, but definitely not breakfast. 

My friend Roger and I attended an event in California a couple of years ago. He noticed a good place for breakfast near our hotel. We arrived around 7 AM. The door was unlocked. People were working inside. We were the first customers of the day. Well, we were right up to the moment the server told us they didn’t open for another hour. Returning to our hotel dining room, we encountered the same thing. 

I’m guessing Californians prefer brunch.

Not everyone is, or can be, an early riser. Some people, Night Owls, like to stay up late. They have to be convinced there is a five o’clock in the morning. 

Mark’s Gospel here makes it clear that if you wanted to meet with Jesus when the crowds weren’t pressing in, you had better get up early. 

Praying with Jesus when night turns to day is my favorite time to pray. When is yours?

I read a book by Calvin Miller when I was much younger where he said we should not be quick to say Amen in our prayers. He said to leave off the Amen and pray all day. Each moment is timely for talking to God. We bring him into every conversation and each activity. We acknowledge his presence and depend on his guidance. 

All of life can become a prayer. Start early. Continue all day. Pray yourself to sleep at night. The utility of an Amen works best in public prayer. Otherwise, keep the conversation going. 

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I will begin my prayer early and end it without an Amen.

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Our Father, thank you for early mornings, coffee, and time alone with you. Thank you for waking prayers, walking prayers, and prayers in every moment and activity. May my life become more of a prayer, an unending conversation with you about everything everywhere all the time.