I recently asked some of my readers what topics they would like me to write about. One of my subscribers wrote that they were struggling to find time in their busy day to pray.
This immediately resonated with me because, I too, used to struggle with the same thing.
Don’t get me wrong, I think everyone should eventually develop a set apart time to spend in prayer. But until you get to that point, please don’t skip praying altogether.
Between getting ready for work, going to work, coming home exhausted and doing the whole thing again the next day, my prayer life was non-existent.
But then I realized that I was treating prayer life as a chore instead of the refreshing conversation with God that it is.
God looks forward to hearing us talk to Him, and more importantly, He enjoys talking with us.
Prayer is nothing more than a solemn request for the desires of your heart to God, (Psalm 37:4) but also seeking that those desires line up with the will of God.
Jesus prayed this way in Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Jesus’ example of prayer should be comforting to us. Prayer was a way of life for Him, even though His human desires were “for this cup to pass…”, Jesus recognized that His will could not be contrary to the will God.
So, to know God’s will for our life, we need to find more time throughout our day to pray.
Here are my top 5 ways of finding more time for prayer throughout your day:
Start a 5-minute morning journal
A morning journal is a simple and efficient way to start your day. I try to start every day out with reading a word from God (Devotional), hearing a word from God (pray and listening) and a written word from God (writing thanks or inspirations down in a journal).
Even if I don’t write in it every day, journaling helps me to connect with God first thing in the morning. In fact, you don’t even need a separate journal; you can just write in whatever daily devotional you’re reading at the time.
Extend your prayer when saying grace
Admittedly, I used to rush through my grace when praying over my food because I was so hungry or just impatient.
I realized that I was robbing my time with God and I then learned to slow down before blessing my food.
My wife and I have made it a habit of saying grace together over dinner.
We’ve even started extending our prayer during this time to include all the things we were thankful for that day and for the many blessing He has already giving us.
Find a good daily devotional
I try to read a devotional scripture reading every morning; then I say a prayer. The devotional helps start my day off feeling inspired and motivated.
One of the devotionals I use is Grace for the Moment Large Deluxe: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year by Max Lucado.
It has short and simple, easy to read excerpts to help get your prayer time jump started.
Pray while using the bathroom
Did you laugh? I know it sounds weird at first, but I’ve had some of my best prayer moments in the shower, or “sitting other places.”
I am convinced that people spend too much time, wasting time. When I’m in the bathroom, I put down everything else and take that time to just think about all the things God has done for me and what He has promised my family and me. That’s at least one time, where He has my undivided attention 😊
I am convinced that people spend too much time, wasting time. Click To TweetWhile reading the bible
Oh, I know you’re saying, “Vincent, I barely have time to pray, let alone time to read the bible.”
I hear you, but I can’t let you slide so fast on this one.
You have to open your bible sometime between Sunday service and the next Sunday service.
And when you have questions (trust me, I still do ask questions) about what you have read, ask it to God as a prayer.
He’d love to conversate with you if you’re willing to let Him.
It’s as simple as it sounds.
Firstly, thank God for something. I try to be specific. Like if a family member comes through surgery. Then I thank Him for your children, life, and spouse (or if you’re single, thank Him for the one on the way :).
Then pray for the situation you need God to move in your life and wait for the answer.
After that, just bless Him with an uplifted heart and worthy praise!
Then take it day by day, rinse and repeat. Amen!
Additional Resources
Grace for the Moment Large Deluxe: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year
