I need to pray and I want to pray… sort of.

My prayer life has always been a struggle.  Sometimes it’s hard to pray for just 2 minutes.  Before I know it, my mind wonders or I get busy with other things.  I feel bad putting prayer on my to-do list but sometimes I just need to remember to make the time.

As I said before, I want to pray… sort of.  Obviously if I wanted it badly enough I would be making time for it.

That’s the purpose of this post.  I have made a list for myself (and you!) of all the many times I could (and should!) be praying throughout my day.  Just seeing this list makes me realize how much extra time I have to pray.

• Right when I wake up.  Instead of reaching for my phone or iPad to “wake up” I should get out of bed immediately and begin talking to my Heavenly Father.  What better way to start the day?  There could be nothing better than talking to God first thing in the morning.
• Before, during, and after I read my Bible.  Before I read His Word I should pray.  I should ask Him to prepare my heart.  While I read I should ask Him to open my eyes in understanding.  When I am finished I should ask Him to change my life by helping me apply what I read.  Praying while reading the Bible can help me change.
• Before my meals.  Instead of quick “thank you prayers” I should take a few extra moments to talk to my Father.  My food won’t get cold.  I don’t need to rush anyway.  If I am going to make the effort to thank God for my food why not make it another special time to talk to Him?  Talking to God while thanking Him for my food will make my meals even more enjoyable.
• In the car.  I spend so much time in the car, why not use those times to pray?  Instead of mindlessly thinking on other things, I can use my time in the car to talk to God.
• While I exercise.  I can be asking God for strength.  I can ask Him to give me greater self-disciple and self-control.  I can ask Him to change me on the inside while I work to become stronger on the outside.  While I exercise I can ask God to help me change inside and out.
• While I am with others.  I can pray when I am with my family or friends.  Instead of talking about things, we can pray about them together. 
• Before I go to sleep.  Instead of dwelling on the events of the day or worrying about tomorrow, I can talk to God.  Talking to God before I go to sleep can help me sleep peacefully.

Those are just some of the extra times I can pray.  If I look for more opportunities I will easily find them.

{I would love to know}  When can you take extra time to pray throughout your day?

Books I Recommend:

• How to Pray by R.A. Torrey
• A Woman’s Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George