Ways to Pray in a Busy World

I was slicing onions for lasagna when my friend came to mind. Her husband had just lost a relative, and she had requested prayer regarding their loss in a Facebook message earlier that week.

So, I began to pray for the family as the smell of cut onions pungently greeted my nose.

Praying while I’m in the kitchen is not uncommon. Whether I’m slicing veggies, putting dishes away, or packing lunches, I am likely also praying.

I love to pray for people. Doing so brings me such joy! If I have the time, I’ll sit and pray in my cozy reading chair at home. But some mornings, I just have time to get into God’s Word for 15 minutes before I wake up my son to begin the morning routine—let alone pray for another few minutes. So, often times, prayer happens for me while I’m driving, tasking, walking, etc.

The same may be true for you. You’re busy and distracted with work, kids, relationships, and all the extracurricular activities that fill our calendars. And hear me say—these are all good things! At times, it may feel like prayer is the last thing you have time for.

But what if there is more for us and that “more” means increasing your time in prayer?

First Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Praying often doesn’t have to feel daunting or like an item to check off a to-do list. It can simply be something you can incorporate into your day, whether you’re sitting in the car pick-up line, walking the dog, or mopping hardwood floors.

Here are some easy ways to implement prayer time into your daily routine.

•Take a prayer walk around your neighborhood. (Pray out loud as you walk to stay focused.)
•Pray for someone immediately if he or she sends you a text, a message, or an email. (And then reply back with a text saying that you prayed.)
•Engage in “popcorn prayer.” (When someone comes to mind, pray for him or her.)
•Pray for a need expressed on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media outlets. (Take a moment to pray right then.)
•Write out specific prayers in a journal. (If you like to write, this is a great way to pray.)
•Set an alarm to pray for someone. (Does Joe have a job interview at 10:00 a.m.? Or does Sheila have a potentially stressful doctor appointment at 2:00 p.m.? Set an alarm on your cell phone to pray at that time.)
•Pray for a loved one over the phone. (Did Mary call you to vent about her bad day? Before you end the call, offer to pray right then for her.)
Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself incorporating prayer into your day without even knowing it and you’ll bless others in the process. And as you pray more, you’ll notice the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) infiltrating your mind and heart as you engage with other people throughout your day.

Stones Crossing Church has various ways for you to join us in prayer throughout the week.

•We have a men’s prayer time (Saturdays at 7:00 a.m.) and a women’s prayer time (the third Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m.).
•We also have a private prayer and praise group on Facebook for members and regular attendees.
•You can pray with your small group or with the team on which you serve.
•You can also attend our Sunday night prayer gatherings (the next one is scheduled for October 29).
•The church auditorium is also open during the week (Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) for you to come and pray as you feel led.

I saw this quote recently on Facebook. “I’m not an expert on prayer. I’m just a person who prays” (author unknown). May this quote be true of all of us, no matter where you are in your relationship with Jesus.