Why would Jesus need to pray? Surely his identity as God’s Son would mean real-time access to his Father’s heart and mind? Yet we see often how Jesus sought solitude and quiet to converse with his Father. It is also obvious that the disciples knew this was happening. What is going on here?

We find a rhythm in Mark’s Gospel of intense action (often with crowds of people) followed by moments of intimacy. Jesus invades the whole space to teach and heal. Then he withdraws to coach his disciples and pray. One seems to drain his energy; the other recharges it. One is about proclamation; the other about relationship. Both are integral to his mission.

Jesus is a very conscious role model. This rhythm is part of what it means to love and serve him today. We are called to be salt and light in a fallen world. That demands purposeful action and will often be tough. We are also called to prioritise our relationship with the Father and our brothers and sisters in Christ. That will also require determination and will often be tough. But both are meant to be a source of real joy and strength.