The Busy Woman's Guide to Prayer
Like Martha in the Bible, I have lots to do—office work, writing projects, laundry, cooking, cleaning. Just this week, for instance, I had a deadline to meet, my daughter-in-law was hospitalized, and I cared for her baby. Add in meals to cook, a household to run, a prayer group to lead, and preparation for an overseas ministry trip. It's a real challenge to squeeze in time for prayer!
I used to think, If I don't pray at a certain time of day, then my prayers don't really count. Then my prayer life underwent a radical transformation. I discovered the apostle Paul's command to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) means more than just spending a lot of time in prayer; it means sharing a continual dialogue with God wherever I go.
The truth that God listens to my prayers wherever I am didn't sink in until my son, Chris, left to attend a university 20 hours from home. Oh, how I missed hearing his voice! Busy with premed classes, intramural basketball, and studying, Chris didn't call often. But once in a while, the phone would ring, and it would be Chris. I'd drop everything—the project I was working on, dinner preparations—just to hear my son's voice.
One day I realized God feels the same way about me, only hundreds of times more, because I'm his child (John 1:12)! Whether I'm walking, driving across town, or sending a prayer heavenward from my computer, he delights in hearing from me—not just once a day, but throughout the day. Scripture says he "inclines his ear" and is "open to hear" my prayers (Psalm 40:1 34:15).
I became even more excited about the effects of praying continuously when I noticed that throughout the Bible, God used short prayers to accomplish great things—such as raising the dead or parting the Red Sea. It dawned on me that thoughts such as, But I can't pray long enough, or If I can't pray one hour, then why pray? have no biblical basis. It's wonderful to have longer sessions of prayer when I can, but remembering that my short prayers can have a big impact encourages me to pray throughout the day.
Whether you're married or single, with or without children, you probably struggle with your prayer life as I did with mine. The good news is, you don't have to put either life or prayer on hold. Here's how to begin building a 24/7 prayer life.
Get a Good Start
For me, a life of continuous prayer now starts even before I lift my head off the pillow. I say, "Lord, this is the day you've made; help me focus on you in the midst of all I've got to do."
I read God's Word before the demands of the day flood in, because Scripture never fails to draw me into prayer and praise. Praying things such as "Lord, help me to trust in you with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding" (from Proverbs 3:5-6), or "Thank you, Father, that you are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love" (from Psalm 103:8), helps me zero in on the Mountain-Mover instead of the mountains I may be facing. And most days I pray these and other prayers for my family and friends during my morning walk.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2004, March/April, Vol. 26, Issue 2, Page 40
Related Topics:
Advice, Prayer, Prayer, answers to, Prayer, importance of
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O.E.U
Wow ! this is really something.. I am a final year student at university..a lot of ppl know me (not to boast) so alot of ppl talk to me all the time - especially at uni.. I struggle with spending long hours in prayer - as i used to..and though i realised that the point or purpose of prayer was not the length of time, i am convinced that quality time is as important to God as it is to humans... i never really thot i was being 'respectful' by offering up short hasty or min-prayers especially for random people which i would do withoiut a thiught..and actually forget at times..so by the time the end of the day comes or the nest day, i feel bad - like i havent prayed or communicated to God but could spend a whole few hours talkin to rinds about issues.... THANKS SOO MUCH FOR THIS.. IT is ALWAYS good to know - and i mean that rom the bottom of my heart - that sum1 gets me, has been there and can encourage me without patronising or judging me..dis has realy strengthened me!GODBLESSU!
Tracy Pace
Jesus said our prayers should not be vain repetitions, but simple personal conversations thanking God and asking for what we need each day! I pray constantly wherever I'm at.
blessed-to-be-connected
I really feel encouraged by your sharing about prayers and praying. I felt the need to grab chance and time to pray to God - whether for loved ones near or far, friends and even strangers around. Thank you for your important reminder.
catherine
I am so happy to read all the article here. It's encouraging to do the same thing. Iam Martha by nature too.
Anonymous
Thanks for the guidelines! I can add other ways to pray during the day. I will share this with the ladies in my group, because we have started praying for our children and grandchildren. House of Mary Magdalene/Bobbie
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