Finding Everyday Spaces for Prayer

Prayer is such an important part of life. The Bible says that in many places, one familiar place being 1 Thessalonians 5:17:

“Pray without ceasing.” KJV

“Pray all the time.” The Message

This used to create pressure for me. How can I pray “all the time,” when I have responsibilities, people depending on me to get certain things done at work, home, church and practically everywhere I go?

I was reading this verse as a command. Then I began to read it as an attitude about prayer, as an invitation to find spaces in my everyday life to pray.

This totally changed my attitude and experience. Living this out became somewhat of a spiritual scavenger hunt. Where can I find a few moments in my day to say a heart-felt, short prayer?

One of the ways I found to make prayer a bigger part of my everyday life was as I was alone running errands. Choosing silence in the car over music, podcasts, and phone calls quietened my mind and prepared my spirit for prayer. Personal landmarks around town became prayer prompts for me.

As I drove past the streets where my daughters’ schools were located, I prayed for them, all of the students and staff. When I drove by the office building that housed our small business, I prayed for my husband, employees and customers.

I prayed for unknown patients in hospitals, residents in nursing homes, church congregations…you get the idea.

What are some new spaces in your day for prayer?