I have tried to maintain the ability to “check in” when traveling. I have made contact with individuals through a variety of ways.

In high school, I occasionally checked in with my parents by phone from a landline. In college, we contacted other drivers by CB radio as we traveled the interstate like Smokey and the Bandit. In Europe this past October, my daughter and I stayed in touch with friends and family through our personal cell phones.

Each of those methods of checking in afforded opportunities to stay in touch, offer peace of mind, and even deepen a relationship.

Checking in is healthy for personal relationships. Touching base says, “You are on my mind. I want to see how you are. I want you to know how I am.” Staying in contact prevents important relationships from growing distant. Checking in has a way of building a relationship when people cannot be together physically.

Jesus modeled a very important method of checking in. As He traveled this earth to reveal the Father, disciple His followers, and redeem humanity from their sin, He prayed often. What was He doing? Staying in touch with the Father.

His stated goal and one He carried out, was to do the will of the Father. How did He know what to do? How did He fight off the temptation to do His own agenda? How did He stay focused on spiritual matters when He was so busy, busy, busy?

Jesus prayed. He checked in with the Father. We read in Mark 1:35:

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
Mark 1:35

If you remember the first chapter of Mark, it records a solitary day of Jesus’ ministry. Everything He did was physically taxing and emotionally draining while experiencing spiritual conflict. He taught in the synagogue. He cast out a demon. Crowds gathered. He healed Peter’s mother-in-law. When evening came, we are told, “the whole city gathered at the door” (1:33). Word got out and people wanted a piece of this authoritative, gracious, compassionate, healer. Jesus was exhausting.

How did He respond? Did He make sure He got ten hours of sleep instead of the prescribed eight? No. Jesus got up early during that same 24-hour period. He chose to spend time in prayer.

Jesus checked in. He needed the strength of the Spirit. He needed the guidance of the Father. He needed to rest in the security of the Father’s love. Jesus needed to connect so He prayed. Jesus needed to refocus amidst all the busyness.

In fact, in the Gospel of Mark, His personal prayer time with the Father is recorded three times. Each time is a time of physical weariness. More importantly, each time was in the midst of the temptation to go His own way. Set His own agenda. Listen to His growing crowd of admirers.

If Jesus had not spent time checking in with the Father, He might have accepted the desire of the people to make Him King. He might have capitulated to the temptation to dodge the cross. Instead, Jesus remained aware of His Father’s presence which kept His focus on doing the Father’s will.

I know that my life is different when I am checking in with the Father. The more I pray, the more I am aware of His presence. The more I pray, the easier it is to lean on the Spirit to look temptation in the eye and say, “No” to ungodly choices. These are brief prayers. Prayers of touching base. Prayers to stay in contact, express my trust, and request wisdom, strength, peace, or forgiveness.

I encourage you to follow our Lord’s example. Talk to the Father early in the morning to set your day. Pray for direction in daily decisions. Seek the Spirit’s help as you walk into a room to meet with people. Ask the Lord to bring Scripture to mind in times of temptation. Ask Jesus to help you persevere when you have been hurt and would prefer quitting or getting revenge.

Checking in is healthy for our most important personal relationship. May you draw closer to our Lord through an intentional habit of prayer.

Love and blessings,
Dave