Seeking Jesus: The Power of Solitude and Prayer
Summary
In the quietness of prayer, we remember that Jesus is the one true God—our Creator, the author and perfecter of our faith, the one who knows us by name and chose to walk among us. He is the light to all humanity, present with us in every circumstance, inviting us to seek Him first and to hallow His name. Life is full of influences—our upbringing, our culture, even the algorithms on our devices—but ultimately, we must choose who will shape our lives. The invitation is to let Jesus be our primary influencer, to follow Him as the disciples did, even when it leads us into the unexpected.
Looking at Mark 1:35-39, we see Jesus’ rhythm of stepping away from the crowds to pray in solitude. Even Jesus, surrounded by needs and opportunities, needed time to realign with the Father, to recover, and to discern His next steps. This was not just a religious duty, but a relational practice—a time to abide, to listen, to surrender, and to receive grace. If Jesus needed this, how much more do we? Prayer is not merely transactional; it is about presence, about being with God and letting Him restore and guide us.
The narrative also highlights three groups: Jesus, the disciples, and the crowd. The crowd was often captivated by the spectacle, seeking signs and answers rather than the person of Jesus Himself. The disciples, eager and sometimes overwhelmed, were learning to listen and be led by the Spirit, not just to manage the needs around them. The challenge for us is to move beyond seeking the miraculous or the answers, and instead to seek Jesus Himself, to be eager for His presence and leading.
God delights in taking the ordinary moments of our lives and turning them into opportunities for His work—if we are attentive and expectant. Whether it’s a conversation at a mailbox, a chance encounter at work, or a simple act of kindness, the Spirit can lead us into moments of grace and transformation. But it begins with time alone with God, letting Him work in us, so He can work through us. As we come to communion, the invitation is to seek Jesus—not just the story or the spectacle, but the living Savior who meets us in our solitude, restores us, and sends us out to be His presence in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Solitude with God is Essential for Spiritual Alignment
Jesus modeled the necessity of withdrawing from the noise and demands of life to be alone with the Father. This time of solitude is not just for rest, but for realignment—listening, surrendering, and receiving direction. If even Jesus needed this rhythm, we must recognize our own deep need for regular, restorative time with God. [25:38]
- Prayer is Relational, Not Merely Transactional
True prayer is more than presenting a list of requests; it is about abiding in God’s presence, adoring Him, and allowing our hearts to be shaped by His will. Jesus’ example shows us that prayer is a space for honest wrestling, surrender, and trust, where we bring our failures and needs and receive grace and mercy. This transforms prayer from a duty into a lifeline of relationship. [31:42]
- Beware of Seeking the Spectacle Over the Savior
The crowd was often drawn to Jesus for the miracles and the show, but many missed the deeper invitation to relationship. It is easy to become fixated on answers, signs, or religious activity, and in doing so, bypass the person of Jesus. We are called to seek Him, not just what He can do for us, and to let our faith move from transaction to transformation. [38:18]
- The Spirit Leads in the Ordinary as Well as the Extraordinary
God delights in using the everyday moments of our lives—work, errands, conversations—to create opportunities for His presence and love to be revealed. When we cultivate a posture of expectancy and attentiveness, we become more aware of these “God moments” and are able to participate in His work in the world. This requires both listening and a willingness to be interrupted by the Spirit’s leading. [47:11]
- Transformation Begins Within Before It Flows Outward
Before God works through us, He desires to work in us. Our effectiveness in loving and serving others flows from a heart that has been restored, aligned, and surrendered in God’s presence. The call is to seek Jesus first, allowing Him to heal, forgive, and empower us, so that our lives become a conduit of His grace to those around us. [53:34]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:13] - Opening Prayer and Surrender
[22:44] - Nature, Nurture, and Influence
[23:42] - Who or What Influences Us?
[24:24] - The Call to Follow Jesus
[25:38] - Jesus’ Rhythm of Solitude and Prayer
[27:00] - The Three Characters: Jesus, Disciples, Crowd
[31:42] - The Relational Nature of Prayer
[38:18] - The Crowd: Seeking Signs vs. Seeking Jesus
[42:21] - The Need for Restorative Time with God
[45:34] - Expectancy for God in the Ordinary
[47:11] - Stories of Spirit-Led Encounters
[51:14] - God Moments in Everyday Life
[54:39] - Communion: Seeking Jesus, Not the Spectacle
[56:58] - Reflective Prayer and Surrender
[01:00:37] - Final Blessing and Sending Out
[01:18:00] - End
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: "Solitude, Prayer, and Following Jesus"
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### Bible Reading
- Mark 1:35-39
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 1:35, what did Jesus do early in the morning before anyone else was awake?
2. How did the disciples react when they realized Jesus was missing, and what did they say when they found him? (Mark 1:36-37)
3. What was Jesus’ response to the disciples when they told him everyone was looking for him? (Mark 1:38)
4. In the sermon, what three groups or “characters” are highlighted in this story, and how does each group respond to Jesus? [[27:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus made it a priority to withdraw and pray, even when there were so many needs and people looking for him? What does this say about his relationship with the Father? [[25:38]]
2. The disciples seemed eager and maybe even a bit overwhelmed by the crowds and the needs. What might Jesus have been teaching them by choosing to move on instead of going back to the crowd? [[31:42]]
3. The crowd was often drawn to Jesus for the miracles and the spectacle. What are some dangers of seeking only what Jesus can do for us, rather than seeking Jesus himself? [[38:18]]
4. The sermon mentions that God can use ordinary moments for his purposes. What does it mean to be attentive and expectant for “God moments” in everyday life? [[47:11]]
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### Application Questions
1. Jesus made time for solitude and prayer, even when life was busy. What are some practical ways you could create space for time alone with God this week? What challenges might you face, and how could you overcome them? [[25:38]]
2. The sermon talked about prayer being relational, not just transactional. When you pray, do you find yourself mostly bringing a list of requests, or do you also spend time listening, worshiping, or just being with God? How could you shift your prayer life to be more relational? [[31:42]]
3. The crowd was often focused on the miracles and the “show.” Are there ways you sometimes focus more on what you want God to do for you, rather than on knowing Jesus himself? How can you re-center your faith on Jesus, not just on answers or experiences? [[38:18]]
4. The Spirit can lead us in ordinary moments—at work, at the mailbox, or in a conversation. Can you think of a recent “ordinary” moment where you sensed God might have been at work? If not, what would it look like to be more attentive to these moments this week? [[47:11]]
5. The sermon said transformation begins within before it flows outward. Is there an area in your life where you need God’s healing, forgiveness, or restoration before you can serve others well? How can you invite Jesus into that area this week? [[53:34]]
6. The disciples were eager but sometimes overwhelmed. Are there areas in your life where you feel overwhelmed by needs or expectations? How might spending time with God help you discern what to say “yes” or “no” to? [[31:42]]
7. Communion was described as a time to seek Jesus, not just the story or the spectacle. As you approach communion (or any spiritual practice), how can you make it a real encounter with Jesus, rather than just a routine? [[54:39]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to spend a few moments in silence, asking God to help them seek Jesus first this week—in solitude, in prayer, and in the ordinary moments of life.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Models Solitude and Prayer as Essential Practice
Jesus regularly withdrew from the crowds and even his closest followers to spend time alone with the Father, demonstrating the importance of solitude, prayer, and realignment with God’s will. In the midst of busyness, pressures, and opportunities, Jesus prioritized this rhythm, showing that spiritual refreshment and clarity come from intentional time in God’s presence. This was not just a religious duty but a relational practice—abiding, listening, and surrendering to the Father’s direction, even when it meant moving on from good opportunities or expectations of others. If Jesus needed this, how much more do we? [25:38]
Mark 1:35-39 (ESV)
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. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 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.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Reflection: When can you intentionally step away from distractions this week to seek God in solitude, and what might you need to surrender or realign in that time?
Day 2: Seek the Giver, Not Just the Gifts
It is easy to become like the crowd—drawn to the spectacle, the miracles, or the answers to prayer—while missing the heart of Jesus himself. The call is to seek a relationship with Christ, not just the benefits or the “show.” Even diligent religious activity or Bible study can become empty if it does not lead us to encounter and know Jesus personally. The Scriptures point us to him, and he invites us to move beyond transactional faith into a living, relational experience with the living God. [38:18]
John 5:39 (ESV)
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.
Reflection: In what ways have you been seeking answers, blessings, or experiences from God more than seeking Jesus himself, and how can you shift your focus today?
Day 3: Learn to Listen and Be Led by the Spirit
Those who truly follow Jesus are called to listen for his voice and be led by the Spirit, not just by needs, opportunities, or their own plans. Jesus modeled a life of listening to the Father, moving in step with God’s direction even when it was unexpected. As his followers, we are invited to cultivate a posture of expectancy and openness, trusting that God wants to work in us, through us, and around us in ordinary moments. This requires both speaking to God and making space to listen, allowing him to guide our steps each day. [42:21]
John 10:27 (ESV)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can create space to listen for God’s leading today, and how will you respond if he nudges you in an unexpected direction?
Day 4: God Transforms Ordinary Moments into God Moments
God delights in taking the everyday, the routine, and the seemingly insignificant moments of our lives and turning them into opportunities for his presence and purpose to be revealed. Whether it’s a conversation at work, a chance encounter at the mailbox, or a simple act of kindness, the Spirit can use any situation to bring encouragement, connection, or even transformation. The key is to approach each day with a sense of expectancy, trusting that God is at work and being willing to step into the opportunities he provides, however small they may seem. [52:43]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: Think of one ordinary place or routine in your life—how might you invite God to use it for his purposes this week, and what would it look like to be open to a “God moment” there?
Day 5: Restorative Grace and Realignment in God’s Presence
Time alone with God is not just about seeking direction but also about receiving his grace, mercy, and restoration. In his presence, we can bring our failures, shame, anger, or guilt, and allow him to heal and realign our hearts. Jesus himself modeled surrender—“not my will, but yours be done”—and invites us to experience the freedom and renewal that come from honest worship, confession, and trust. This is where we are reminded of God’s love, his faithfulness, and his desire to restore us, so we can live out of that grace each day. [56:58]
Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Reflection: What burden, failure, or area of shame do you need to bring honestly before God today, trusting him to restore and realign your heart with his grace?
Quotes
We are not all free thinkers. We are not an island unto ourselves. We are people who are influenced. We’ve joked about the algorithms. I don’t know if we joked, actually. We talked briefly. Ben mentioned briefly the algorithms on our smartphones and things like that that start to lead us in ways that we may or may not actually want to go. We are being influenced. You and I do get a choice. Ultimately, who is going to be our influencer? [00:23:47] (33 seconds)
Jesus calls us to come and follow. And as the gospel narrative, the gospel of Mark, Mark’s account of Jesus’ life through the life of Peter and the stories, the firsthand witness stories, this gospel narrative unfolds, and there will be practices that Jesus lives out that we would do well to imitate. [00:25:38] (22 seconds)
Jesus is reminding us in this practice that this is a relational thing. Prayer is a relational practice. It’s not just a transactional thing. It’s not just some sort of list. I mean, there’s lists is okay, but it’s not fully that. It’s a relational practice. It’s more about presence. We hear other words about abiding, to be with God. He calls us to come to him, all us who are weary and burdened. I will give you rest. I will help you in your time of need. [00:29:42] (44 seconds)
We need to spend time with Jesus, we need to pray and know and understand and recognize that yeah, he wants to work in you and he wants to work through you and he wants to work around you, but remember it starts within you, it starts within you. [00:44:02] (22 seconds)
We need to in our daily lives, I don’t know, whatever it is, some sort of vocation, maybe it’s family, maybe it’s neighborhood, maybe it’s retirement, I don’t know, with a sense of expectancy that God wants to work in your life, that God wants to work through your life, that God wants to work around your life. Now listen, you don’t need to do anything extraordinary, let just let opportunities present themselves, let God lead, don’t force things, please don’t hear me wrong on this. [00:44:25] (33 seconds)
Do we have any sense of expectation that God can take the ordinary and the normal and turn it into a God moment? Man, I can tell you, I’m a pastor for Pete’s sake and I can just end up getting up at the beginning of the day and I got my agenda and I can miss it. But Jesus shows us a pattern, a practice that he needed and I need and I know you do too. [00:52:44] (34 seconds)
Do you not have in your life some places where you would just love to see God work? Personally, like in your own body and soul, he wants to do that. Our time with him, he wants to work in you. And then as a person, as a disciple, as a follower, he then actually would love to work through you. Can we see that? Could we trust him for that? [00:53:57] (38 seconds)
Let’s make sure that we seek Jesus. Not somehow the show of it all, not somehow the impressiveness of the fact that he died and all of these historical things, you know, pointed to, all these prophecies and they all turned out and isn’t that amazing and we get so wowed with, oh my goodness, 600 years, how many prophecies, all those kinds of things, all true. Don’t miss Jesus. Jesus. [00:54:52] (30 seconds)
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