Prioritizing Daily Devotional Time Like Christ's Example

Christ's example of rising early for prayer and devotion is a significant aspect of his life that is recorded in the Gospels. Mark 1:35 notes that Jesus rose "very early in the morning, while it was still dark" to pray ^[1]. This practice is not unique to Jesus; biblical figures such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob also rose early to perform their daily duties and devotions ^[1]. The biblical account of Jesus' life and the practices of other biblical figures provide a foundation for understanding the importance of daily devotional time.

The biblical emphasis on diligence and self-denial is closely tied to the practice of daily devotion. Jesus' example of diligence is highlighted in his commitment to seeking God's will and obeying God's commands ^[2]. The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of diligence in seeking God and cultivating Christian graces ^[2]. Self-denial, as exemplified by Jesus, involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and is a necessary aspect of following Christ ^[3]. These biblical themes underscore the significance of prioritizing daily devotional time.

The practice of daily devotion is not limited to personal prayer but also involves intercessory prayer. Jesus is an example of intercessory prayer, praying for others, including his disciples and those who would come after them ^[4]. The apostle Paul exhorts believers to continue in prayer, including intercessory prayer, and to be watchful and thankful in their devotional lives ^[9]. The biblical emphasis on prayer and intercession highlights the importance of daily devotion in the life of a believer.

The Psalms provide insight into the practice of daily devotion, with psalmists expressing their desire to pray and worship God continually. Psalm 141:2 compares prayer to the evening sacrifice, highlighting the importance of regular and timely devotion ^[6]. The Nonconformist/Puritan commentary on Psalms notes that David's practice of prayer was characterized by hope in God's word and a desire to continue in prayer despite delays in receiving answers ^[7].

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of perseverance in prayer and devotion. The apostle Paul encourages believers to continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful and thankful ^[9]. The Protestant academic commentary on Mark 1:35 notes that Jesus' practice of seeking time to pray, despite his busy ministry, emphasizes the importance of prayer in his life ^[8].

The biblical example of Jesus and the practices of other biblical figures provide a model for prioritizing daily devotional time. The emphasis on diligence, self-denial, and perseverance in prayer and devotion underscores the significance of this practice in the life of a believer. As the biblical account and the commentary traditions demonstrate, daily devotion is an essential aspect of following Christ and cultivating a deep and meaningful relationship with God.

The early rising of biblical figures, including Jesus, to perform their daily devotions highlights the importance of establishing a regular and disciplined practice of prayer and worship. The biblical themes of diligence, self-denial, and perseverance in prayer and devotion provide a framework for understanding the significance of daily devotional time. By prioritizing daily devotion, believers can deepen their relationship with God and cultivate the graces and virtues that are essential to the Christian life ^{[2, 5]}.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
Psalms “Let my prayer be set before you like incense; the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice. -- Psalms 141:2”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:147: David goes on here to relate how he had abounded in the duty of prayer, much to his comfort and advantage: he cried unto God, that is, offered up to him his pious and devout affections with all seriousness. Observe, I. The handmaids of his devotion. The two great exercises that attended his prayers, and were helpful to them, were, 1. Hope in God's word, which encouraged him to continue instant in prayer, though the answer did not come immediately: "I cried, and hoped that at last I should speed, because the vision is for an appointed time, and at the end it wil”
Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 1:35: 1:35 Despite Jesus’ busy ministry, he sought time to pray (6:46; 14:32-39). Mark emphasizes the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life (cp. Luke 3:21; 6:12; 9:18, 28-29; 11:1-4; 18:1; 22:32).”
Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 4:2: If this be considered as connected with the foregoing verse, then we may observe that it is part of the duty which masters owe their servants to pray with them, and to pray daily with them, or continue in prayer. They must not only do justly and kindly by them, but act a Christian and religious part, and be concerned for their souls as well as their bodies: "As parts of your charge, and under your influence, be concerned for the blessing of God upon them, as well as the success of your affairs in their hands." And this is the duty of every one - to continue in ”

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