Too Busy To Pray: The Battle For Prayer

Hello, men and women of authority!

I have been up and about, reorganising my life and making beautiful adjustments that you will know of quite soon (Can’t wait!)

The latest thing that has happened is that I went out this past weekend to celebrate one of my oldest friend’s birthday. I will share just a bit of my culinary and visual experiences within this blog but you can also check out Kichaka Camp!

I loved my stay there and loved the people who were with me but to be very honest, I struggled to maintain my prayer routine and felt quite frustrated. However, I was encouraged to grace myself and I gave time to prayer. Sure, I did not have the clear cut schedule I follow closely on my day-to-day, but I drew closer to God through reflection and prayer.

I could not help but think of anyone reading this who is struggling with their prayer life and wondering, “How do I slot in time to pray in this busyness?” It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, leaving little room for quiet reflection and communion with our Creator.

I’d say this, first. Just like your relationship with someone you love, your relationship with God requires time and consistency. You may not be perfect, but God is not looking for perfect people. He seeks the willing and obedient.

And now, let's delve into the importance of making time for prayer, regardless of how busy life becomes.

1. Spiritual Nourishment Amidst Chaos

Life's demands can be overwhelming, but just as our bodies require nourishment, our spirits need sustenance too. Regular prayer is like spiritual sustenance, providing the strength, guidance, and peace required to navigate challenges.

Matthew 4:4: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."

2. A Source of Strength in Weakness

Life knocks you out, I get it. But we all need strength to hang on just a little bit longer. Prayer acts as a source of strength when we are at our weakest. I know that it seems like a passive thing to do when in pain and frustration but it is the exact opposite. Prayer is active. You actively rest! In prayer, your mind gets room to see new opportunities of escape and focus on life-giving things even as you actively rely on and wait on God. Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

3. Aligning with God's Will

Busyness may give you a false sense of importance or accomplishment but it takes away your freedom to choose God’s will. You are so busy that your mind goes into auto-pilot and chooses paths of least resistance and produces work from muscle memory. God’s will however, is active and alive. It requires an ever-present mind and spirit to execute. God’s will is fought by all of the devil’s devices, one of them being busyness.

In our busyness, it's easy to lose sight of God's plan for our lives. Regular prayer helps align our desires and decisions with His will. The perfect prayer (praying in the Spirit/God’s perfect will), reminds us who is in control (God) and orients our effort toward eternal things that won’t pass away.

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

4. Finding Rest for the Soul

Busyness can lead to restlessness and a sense of spiritual emptiness. I’m sure glad that Jesus offers solace in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

5. Prioritizing the Eternal over the Temporary

Our daily tasks and responsibilities often revolve around the temporal world. Regular prayer reminds us to prioritize the eternal over the temporary. Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Incorporating a dedicated time for prayer, regardless of our schedules, can be a transformative experience. It's about carving out moments to strengthen our connection with God, seek His guidance, and find solace in His presence.

Find active rest in prayer, friend.