How Do We Pray at All Times?

You probably juggle husband and family, run errands, prepare a gazillion meals, squeeze in the laundry, just like I do. But when it comes to praying, it probably doesn't happen nearly as often as it should, let alone at all times. The number one way to pray at all times is to pray the moment you think of it--even if you're doing something else. "Pray at all times, on every occasion, in every season, in the Spirit, with all manner of prayer and entreaty." Ephesians 6:18
If your life is anything like mine, you don't exactly lounge around in satin, leopard-print pajamas and feathery high-heel slippers while savoring gourmet chocolates all day long. Not that you wouldn't like to, occasionally. But face it, our lives are not foofy like that. (I just made up the word foofy, and think it fits here perfectly.)

Instead, you probably juggle husband and family situations, run lots of errands, prepare a gazillion meals, squeeze in the laundry and vanquish dog-hair tumbleweeds lurking in the hallway, just like I do. But when it comes to praying, it probably doesn't happen nearly as often as it should, let alone at all times.

I think the reason most of us neglect to pray at all times, as Ephesians 6:18 tells us, is that we picture prayer as something done only on our knees, at a specific hour of the day. Or, we think prayer must happen while we're alone in our bedroom, with the door shut so we can actually have five minutes without being interrupted. And don't get me wrong, there are times we need to get alone with God and pray down heaven. I hope we do this more often than not.

But waiting for the perfect time to pray is like waiting for our lives to be perfect before we decide we're ready to have kids. If we did that, well, we'd all be lounging around in leopard-print pajamas....no, no, no. If we wait for everything to be perfect, prayer (and babies) will not happen.

The number one way to pray at all times is to pray the moment you think of it--even if you're doing something else. If while bathing your baby you suddenly begin thinking about all of the orphans in Haiti, whisper a prayer--right then and there.

If your daughter starts flashing attitude on the drive to school one morning, pray right then, while she's rolling those eyes. If you are chopping vegetables for dinner and your mind drifts off to an uncle that you haven't seen in ages, take the hint: pray for him while you cook. When you finish talking with an old friend and hang up the phone with a heavy heart, pray immediately--even if you go back to sweeping the floor.

These are all examples of promptings of the Holy Spirit, and they happen all day long. Praying at all times is simply a matter of paying attention to these promptings, then obeying. Remember: our prayers truly make an eternal difference...wherever and whenever they are prayed.
"Pray at all times, on every occasion, in every season, in the Spirit, with all manner of prayer and entreaty." Ephesians 6:18




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21 comments:

Kelly said...

Amen Julie! Love this post. Another one is, if you wake up having dreamed about someone, take a moment and pray for them.

GREAT post!

Tammy said...

Great post! For along time I use to feel so guilty if I didn't stand still a pray.
Now I do have my prayer time but during the day I'm always sending up those popcorn prayers.

Karen said...

Good post, Julie. I do believe, like you said, that when a thought comes to mind, it might not be just random. Check that thought and pray. I needed to be reminded of that. Thanks.

Denise said...

Thanks so much for this awesome post! I needed the reminder to stop wating for the "right" time and just do it! Hope to catch up with you again at She Speaks this year. I am thinking about it already......

Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

I needed this...just switching the daughter to a son in the car and that is exactly what I need to be doing, instead of arguing or yelling. Thanks for the reminder!

Jody Hedlund said...

I love your suggestions, Julie! You're so full of wisdom. I'm going to try this in the upcoming week! Thank you!

Sue J. said...

YES! And what we will find, if we do, is God's presence in our midst. When we speak to Him, it's very difficult to go back to vacuuming or anything else we're doing in the same way. When we are in the presence of God, WE are changed people! That's power!!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Julie, you described it exactly, promptings of the Holy Spirit that we need to recognize as opportunity for prayer, otherwise it's too easy to forget. Great reminder.
Debra

Collette@Jesuslovesmums said...

This is a great reminder that all prayer counts and how we can pray all day long! You are so right that these are promptings from our Lord.
Love Collette xxx

Cheryl Barker said...

You're so right, Julie. Praying at all times becomes a way of life as we draw closer to God and speak with Him about anything at any time. He is our Friend who is with us every step of the way -- and how I thank Him!

Dan King said...

Great wisdom Julie! I love how you put things into perspective like this. you get a BIG bibledude AMEN today!

Kelly Sauer said...

A delightful post. Yes, yes, yes. Prayer is a constantly open line of communication by which we can pour our hearts out to Him. This is what it means to have a pure heart, actually, being all poured out. It's relationship wide open, no secrets, nothing hidden.

I love this.

achildoftheking said...

Julie, I'm in agreement! Amen!

Andrea said...

Hope you don't mind. I added a link to your blog on arise 2 write.
andrea

Lisa Smith said...

AMEN!!

Unknown said...

Amen Julie!

This is exactly what I have been experiencing the past few days. I find myself constantly praying in little moments all day long as I think of things. Just this morning I was talkin' with Samuel about how blessed he is and it made me think of all the orphans in Haiti and we just randomly prayed together right there as we snuggled on the bedroom couch (our "morning snuggle") trying to wake up and get ready for school. This, to me, is true communion with God...I love this perspective and to where it brings us. I want the "hum" in my heart like Pastor Tom spoke of on Sunday. A good and timely word Jules...can I call you Jules? :)

Terri Tiffany said...

Amen as well! I try to pray whenever the spirit prompts me too. There has never been a specific time for me to do it--praying without ceasing is best:)

Nancy said...

Absolutely wonderful post and well explained. Imagine all the saints throwing up all those mini prayers. It could change the world.

Deb said...

Julie,

I just got home from work and am lounging around in a pair of gray sweat pants, one of my hub's tee-shirts, and athletic socks.

This is my favorite lounge attire.

Very sad, I know.

So not alluring.

But way comfortable and warm.

I like what you're teaching here: Pray when prompted.

Read the two previous posts as well as this one.

Just thought I'd let you know that my gray hair and I have not come to peaceful terms yet.

So, I'm still coloring.

Have a lovely weekend.

Sweet dreams.

~Amy Rose said...

Great post! I have been trying to pray more often and throughout the day. I need to take little moments, like you suggest. THANKS!!

I have passed the "Over the Top" award to you....you blog inspires me. I wanted to share it with others! http://therosefamily2009.blogspot.com/

prashant said...

I'm always sending up those popcorn prayers.
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