Finding Time for Prayer

 

 “Until you are convinced that prayer is the best use of your time, you will not find time for prayer.” Father Hilary Ottensmeyer, OSB

I used to think that all prayer required a lot of time.  It meant I had to stop everything, find a quiet place away from distractions and have a serious discussion with God.  I still believe this type of prayer is necessary to sustain a healthy spiritual life.  Dedicated one-on-one time with our Lord is important.  But what I’ve learned over the years is that there are many ways to pray.  Prayer can occur at any time and anywhere.  In fact it should happen at many times throughout the day.  If we turn to God for just a moment it brings us closer to Him and helps us grow in faith.

Life itself can be prayer if we allow it.  Whatever we may be doing can be offered to God as a gift of our time and efforts.  When at work our efforts can be a way of thanking Him for the opportunity to contribute something of value in our life.  Not only does this make our work a prayer but it also encourages us to do our best since we are making it a gift to God.

Sweeping the floor, mowing the lawn, washing the car, taking the dog for a walk.  All of these can become a prayerful experience.  It just takes an instant to turn our thoughts to God and offer to Him whatever we may be doing at that moment.

The same can be said of our free time.  Whatever we do for fun or relaxation can be offered to God.  This again prompts us to never give anything unworthy to our Lord.  In this way it can help us choose our entertainment from those things that will build our faith and love of God rather than something that may detract from our spiritual life.

Some say they can’t find time for prayer.  A faithful, strong prayer life can be found by making all that we do a prayer.

   “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy”.  Saint Therese of Lisieux