Daily prayer is such a simple concept.
We awaken each day, and the Spirit leads us out of bed and onto our knees, to praise God and ask for God's mercies throughout the coming day.
We stop our workday for lunch, and we give thanks to God, not merely "for this food and the hands that have prepared it," but for the ways we have seen God at work in the first working hours of the day.
And then at evening, we thank God again, intercede for others, and pray whatever else the Spirit leads us to pray.
It all looks good on paper, doesn't it? But when each day comes, we get pushed and pulled by all types of "more important" things.
In the morning, we need our coffee first. The dog has to go for a walk and take a pee. The kids wake up and want breakfast. The newspaper looks more interesting.
At lunch, we tell ourselves we are too busy to pause for prayer because of the demands of the day. We have to get back to the office.
And in the evening, of course, are children's events, night meetings at church, or a game or new episode on TV.
There are all types of things that complicate the very simple concept of daily prayer. It happens in my life, and maybe for some of you.
I have found two things helpful.
The first is the concept of "Praying the Hours" -- a Jewish tradition that Jesus and his disciples embraced. It is also Christian monastic tradition, a tradition that Protestant Reformers observed, and a discipline we can still use today.
There are any ways of dividing up each day into Hours of Prayer, but I have found Morning, Midday, and Evening Prayers to be an attainable and helpful format. It is not the only one, of course, but it gives a little structure that I need. And if my definition of "morning" prayer time is invaded by dogs, kids, and headlines, then I may need to awaken 30 minutes earlier, or ask the Spirit to nudge me and awaken me 30 minutes earlier.
The second helpful practice is starting 15-minute prayer services at your church or with other believers. Make a covenant with "two or more" believers to meet once a week (Wednesday?), or even more, for one of these prayer times. At these services, read a Psalm and a second Scripture lesson together. Sing a hymn or song of praise together. Pray together. It takes only 15 minutes. I promise.
I have found that accountability and encouragement from other worshipers helps me to honor at least one of these prayer times each week. One prayer times builds on the next, and soon I have more courage and inspiration to pray more diligently each day when I am alone.
For what it's worth.
1 comment:
Mark, thank you for reminding us about the "simple" things that we should be doing. It has always been a personal challenge of mine. Since I tend to talk to myself throughout the day (not crazy like but more thinking through things) I decided to switch that to just talking to God. It has helped me to express my gratitude, ask for help, and be more open to what He is doing in my day. Since then, it has made it easier for me, who is so stubborn, to incorporate quiet time in the morning and in the evening.
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