Episode 51 — Mark 1:35–39 — Solitary with the Father

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it is spectacular to be here with you today. Today is February 20. 
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Jesus is here. He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him.
You may have a million things on your mind, but for these few moments, set them aside. Relax. Calm your body.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “Father, I’m here.”
As you exhale, pray: “Speak to me.”
Repeat this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Later Simon and the others went out to find him.
When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them too. That is why I came.”
So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
(Mark 1:35–39, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase or truth that speaks directly to you?

Reread
Hear the passage again slowly, picturing Jesus rising early and seeking the Father.
  
Meditate
The day before had been full — teaching, healing, casting out demons. Crowds pressed in, needs were endless. Yet before the sun rose, Jesus slipped away to a solitary place. No crowds, no demands — just Him and the Father.
In that quiet, He found clarity. His mission wasn’t to stay where He was popular, but to go where the Good News had not yet been heard. Prayer grounded Him in His purpose.
We live in a world of constant noise and demands. If Jesus needed solitude with the Father, how much more do we? Those moments re-center us, reminding us why we’re here and what God is calling us to do.
Take a moment to reflect on this question:
Where can I find a “solitary place” today to connect with the Father?

Respond
Lord, help me to seek You first, before the noise and demands of the day.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Find Your Place 
Today, choose a spot — a chair, a park bench, a quiet room — and spend a few minutes alone with God.
Leave your phone behind. Just listen, pray, and be still.
Let that place be a reminder that you can meet with Him anywhere.

I want to share something with you today. Right now, 2 Minute Disciple has just a few ratings on Apple Podcasts—only two. I’m so grateful for those, but I’d love to see that number grow so more people can find a simple daily devotional they can stick with.
So here’s the goal: over the next month, I’m praying we can go from 2 ratings to 15 ratings on Apple Podcasts. If this podcast has helped you slow down and meet Jesus, would you be one of the 13 people to help us get there?
Here’s how: open Apple Podcasts, search for “2 Minute Disciple,” tap on the show, scroll down, and tap the stars. And if you have a moment, write one sentence about how God has used this daily devotional in your life.
Your rating and review might be what helps someone else discover these 2 minutes with Jesus every day.

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.