Following a failure in parliament, William Wilberforce, a Christian statesman in Great Britain over a century ago, remarked on its possible cause. He said the problem may have been that he had not spent enough time in his private devotions earnestly seeking the will of God.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Jesus’ schedule was busy, but He made time with His Father the day’s first priority. Many distractions could have disrupted Him, but He avoided them by going to an isolated place so His attention could be fully focused. Jesus prayed. We know from other Bible verses that He prayed for Himself, but He also prayed for those closest to Him and their needs, and for the whole world to be filled with the knowledge of God.

In this New Year, use your devotional time to commune with the Lord, reading His Word and praying for others. Ask that those who know Him will be filled with His wisdom. Plead that the eyes of the nation’s leaders would be opened so they will come to a saving faith in Jesus.

Recommended Reading: John 17:6-21