Listen to your everyday conversations. Do you catch yourself saying “If only I had time”…or…“I just don’t have the time.” I think most of us believe that we have a corner on busyness. Think of all the “time-saving” appliances and machinery available for our use, yet we are “still so busy”. The truth is, everyone makes the time for the things that are essential or important to their life.
Each week the same one hundred sixty-eight hours are available to everyone. In this lesson we will work together to evaluate the use of our time and determine together to make time for the purpose of spiritual growth. If you are anything like me, the struggle is real. You want your relationship with Christ to be a priority but something else so easily gets in the way. Meals, laundry, bills, church stuff, phone calls, sleep, etc. The Holy Spirit who indwells each believer is available to aid with these spiritual disciplines.
Let’s seek His Help:
- Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Ephesians 3:15 “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”
- Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
- Colossians 1:10, 11 “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Make time with God daily and choose to pray. You will experience great spiritual growth, wisdom, strength, hope, fruitfulness and many other practical benefits. Commit to this new discipline today.
Where does your time go each day? Keep a record for a day or two. Note the time you spend on different activities and note what you have time for and what you do not have time for. You will begin to see what or who has priority and control in your life. This will also help you to find the time that is available that you can use for prayer and study of the Word.
When is the best time to pray? If I pray throughout the day, is a specific prayer time essential? I believe a specific prayer time and praying throughout the day are both important elements in my relationship with God. Psalm 55:17 the memory verse for this lessons states “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” God’s hears our prayer whenever or wherever we pray.
Morning is the time I prefer to have my specific prayer time. As I begin the day with prayer, it causes me to seek God’s guidance throughout the day. Praying for God to direct my steps. I ask God to prioritize my “to-do-list” for the day. I’m a list person and like to have my day planned and I like to get the things done that need to get done. But I have learned that if God wants me to do something else that day, I still always have time to get the things done that must get done, when I make time for Him FIRST.
Others may find afternoon or evening is best for a specific prayer time. There are many examples in the Bible, and no time is right or wrong. But it is important that we discipline our lives to have a regular time of prayer.
"Pray without ceasing." I Thessalonians 5:17
Are you serious? How can anyone pray all the time? Prayer is a definite act of the will, but it can also be an attitude of the soul. If your relationship is intimate with your heavenly Father, you will commune with the Lord all day.
In January, my brother John, wrote the following about this very subject. I was saving it to share in this lesson. Little did I know at that time that he would be in the presence of our Lord when I included his thoughts:
Since I know that our Heavenly Father is always available and even desirous of us directing our attention and needs to Him, I have learned that prayer doesn't have to be entirely a scheduled act of hiding away, getting down on my knees and talking to Him for an hour etc. as many often assume. He is Omnipresent and so anytime I have a thought, burden, concern for others or a sin to confess, I can talk to Him. I can converse with Him aloud as I drive down the road, or as I sweep the floor, go for a walk, mow the grass or while I'm fishing. I can speak out loud His praises when I am inspired by a beautiful sunset, a surprise snowfall that occurred over night as I open the curtains in the morning, an elk standing off in the forest as I drive by on the highway, a rainbow after a sudden shower followed by the sweet refreshing smell of the air, an osprey diving into the water to catch a fish or the joy of seeing a newborn baby (even if it isn't my own grandchild). I can speak a prayer when an ambulance goes by or I pass a car accident or see the life flight helicopter pass overhead, pleading for the comfort and salvation of those who have suddenly found themselves in crisis. I can pray as I watch the news and see Israel under attack again, or the moral abominations of abortion or homosexuals flaunting their sin in the streets, and I can pray for those I see experiencing their lives dashed before a flood, earthquake or fire. Because of my Dad's example of always being available, concerned and interested, I know my Heavenly Father is even more open, available and desirous of having a conversation with me. This is what "Pray without ceasing" means. It is always being in touch with our Heavenly Father. Prayer is a Relationship.
I pray that God’s people will come to know the privilege they have to pray. Take every opportunity possible to commune with your Lord and Savior. Grow your relationship with God; spend time in prayer with Him.
I believe it was Charles Spurgeon who once said: "I had so much to do today, I had to take time to pray. "
In conclusion remember, God will help you with every daily task if you will take the time to include Him in your day.
"Sweetly Lord have I heard you calling, come follow me, And we see where Thy footprints falling, Lead us to Thee. "Footsteps of Jesus” Mary Slade
