God
“35 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. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you! 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.”
Mark 1: 35-39, NIV
Coming fresh off a full day of healing many who were sick and driving out many demons Jesus got up early the next morning to pray in a solitary place (Greek word: eremos). Jesus modeled the spiritual discipline of Solitude. If Jesus needed it and modeled it, how much more do our lives need this.
Through this passage in Mark we glean insight into some of the benefits of this intentional time in the quiet with God: we gain clarity in our identity and our calling. We more clearly hear God’s voice guiding us to where we are to go, why we are called, and what we are called to do. If you are asking Where? Why? What? then enter the eremos to spend intentional time with God.