While it was still dark
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.
The busiest day of his life ended with a synagogue, a healing, and the whole town at the door by nightfall. Before dawn, Jesus disappears to a place with nothing in it. The disciples have to hunt for him. This was his pattern, and it is the pattern these forty days are built on: the hour before the light, alone, fasting, in a deserted place. It is the quietest hour that will exist today. No one needs you yet. Your body is empty and your mind is not yet full. It is the easiest time to be still, and the hardest to choose.
Today's practice
Set the alarm thirty minutes earlier than you need. Go somewhere with nothing in it. Sit for ten minutes and then stay until the light changes.
The fast
Nothing after supper; wait until mid-morning to eat. Drink a glass of water first thing; much of early hunger is thirst.
By the calendar, today is Day ?.