Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)
How much time do you have to spare for prayer? For me, it started with 10 minutes before I began getting ready for work and the kids dressed for daycare. Mornings were always hectic but just a couple minutes of reading scripture, a spiritual book, sitting in silence, or my own dialogue with the Lord would allow me to feel a moment of peace in preparation for the day. It wasn’t a lot but it kept me thirsting for more. Because of my constant need and eagerness to pray with little spare time to do it, I have found a few tips and tricks to keep a dialogue going with the Lord throughout each day.
Set Your Alarm Clock for 10 Minutes Earlier
How many of us wake up and immediately start our day with chores, getting dressed, and running around like a crazy person? Probably most of us! If you can manage to set your alarm clock 10 minutes earlier than when you normally wake up, you can practice beginning your day with a peaceful start. Overtime, you may wish to turn ten minutes to twenty minutes, and possibly even earlier over time. No matter how much time you have in the morning to offer in prayer, each minute you dedicate will bring you energy, strength, and clarity to begin your day with success.
Keep an Open Dialogue with the Lord Throughout the Day
Once the day starts, it can feel next to impossible to get any additional prayer time in. I have found when I talk to God throughout parts of my day, it leads me to be more patient, make better decisions, and a better wife and mother. Dialogue with the Lord can be through quiet whispers or private thoughts. These simple prayers can be as simple as “Jesus, please be with me, thank you for all of your blessings”, or “please show me which way to go”. By staying connected to God throughout your day, it allows for a constant relationship with the Lord, no matter how busy your day becomes.
Keep a Prayer Book Out In Clear View
An idea to keep prayer on your mind is to have a bible, scripture book, or maybe even a prayer journal with you wherever the day takes you. If you are working all day, tuck your favorite prayer book in your desk. If you are at home, set a prayer book on your coffee table. If you are running errands, stick a prayer book in your purse or pocket if you have a small one. Often times, when these are out in clear view, it reminds us to check in with the Lord when you have a spare minute.
Adjusting Mindless Habits
I am guilty of this as much as anyone, but think about the number of times throughout the day when you have a few minutes to spare and you log onto your social media to mindlessly scroll through. If you can take one of those moments away and instead say a quick prayer or a moment of silence to listen and check in with the Lord, I promise you it will bring you more fulfillment and joy in your life. When I think about it, I often am amazed how many times a day I am drawn to grab my phone in a quick minute to check the latest news. By dedicating one of those urges to prayer instead of checking the phone, it will bring you one more connection to the Lord during your busy day.
Conclusion
Having a vibrant prayer life can be possible with just a few adjustments to a busy schedule! By waking up just a few minutes earlier, talking to God throughout the day and including him in your busy schedule, keeping prayer books out in clear view, and finding a moment to prayer instead of picking up the phone can bring you much closer with the Lord. I know he will notice your efforts and you both will be greatly rewarded for your precious time dedicated to the Lord.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light ( Matthew 11:29-30).
Check out my blog post Pump the Breaks about slowing down in the midst of a busy day.
Hopefully a few of these ideas help you to discover or maintain a vibrant prayer life with the Lord!
Xo,
Merr
Well said! Less social media, more nurishment for the soul.