Attacking the never-ending to-do list…preparing for the fundraiser…putting in extra hours at work…serving in a ministry…babysitting the grandkids….
The list of activities competing for our attention seems to grow by the day. Despite the conveniences we have that were absent from the lives of our parents and grandparents, there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything.
It’s easy when the demands of daily life are so evident to postpone prayer. To compound matters, more recognition and respect from others are gained by the actions we’ve taken and things we’ve accomplished than result from our quiet time in prayer. It isn’t that we don’t understand the importance and need for prayer, it’s just that there is considerable competition for our time and attention.
Take a few minutes to reflect on your commitment to prayer. Do you find yourself skipping prayer time because of the many tasks competing for your time and attention? Do you find yourself rushing through devotional readings and quickly offering prayers in a manner that seems more like duty than true connection with the Lord? If so, consider steps you can take to make prayer a priority in your life.
Turn off your phone, get away from the computer screen, and find a quiet place. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Tell the Lord that you recognize that you need Him as without Him you can do nothing (John 15:5) and ask His help in strengthening your prayer life.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thes. 5:16-18)
Hopefully you will be able to get on the right course and commit to regular prayer. Remind yourself that prayer is to your spiritual well-being what oxygen is to your physical well-being; both are essential for a healthy life. Consider that Jesus didn’t say if you pray, but when you pray (Luke 11:2) and rather than offer repetitious statements or a specific format He urged us to establish a relationship and connect with our Father. Instead of busyness being an excuse not to pray, let it be the all the more reason to motivate you to pray. Recognize that as a Christian, you can’t function without a relationship with the Lord and that requires time with Him. As Socrates so wisely said, Beware the barrenness of a busy life.