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There’s no doubt prayer will cost us something

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Prayer is worth the time invested

Souls, like bodies, need food, too; maybe more so. Buying groceries is something all of us do. We take time to shop. Shouldn’t we also find time to pray? Taking only five or ten minutes a day is a good way to start.

Prayer will cost us something—Our time

We live busy lives. Prayer will cost us something that is in short supply—our time. What are we willing to put off or forego to spend time with God? Years ago, as a young mom with three busy kids, I came to this crossroads. It sounds funny, but the bathroom was my first prayer haven. I’d sacrifice half an hour of sleep or make use of the children’s nap times, instead of baking cookies or phoning a friend. Behind that door were uninterrupted moments with the Lord.

Making space to be still every morning is a powerful way to choose a lifestyle of abiding in God.[1]

Start the day with prayer and paper

Now, nearly 40 years later, prayer is still a priceless blessing to me. I awaken at six o’clock, kiss my husband good morning, get out of bed, pour a cup of coffee, add a splash of cream, and sit in my favorite recliner. I’m ready to usher in a new day with the Lord. It begins with a “Good morning, Lord” prayer. Next I open my I-phone Bible app. With paper and pen at the ready, it is easy to spend 30-60 minutes filling my soul’s cup with His presence.

While reading Bible passages, I jot down thoughts, and sometimes pray more. My mind seeks wisdom to cope with whatever the day will bring my way. The needs of others are taken before the Lord. Anything on my heart spills into His listening ears without fear of sounding foolish. With God we can be our real selves.

Prayer is something everyone can do

Sadly, too many people shy away from praying. If you have no desire to pray, try to figure out why. Does prayer seem irrelevant or reserved only for those who are theology students or church leaders? I hope not. Prayer is for everyone. Seeking God is a verbal exercise He desires us to do. Over and over the Bible implores us to pray; to present our requests to God. And God promises to listen and bring answers.

Prayer is a sign of strength

Maybe your family of origin didn’t attend church or pray, or praying is perceived as a sign of weakness. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s really a sign of strength that makes even the Devil shudder. We are created to be in relationship with our Creator. How do you feel when someone you love doesn’t want to talk to you? Don’t believe for a moment it’s possible to find God’s favor while ignoring to communicate with Him.

Will we choose to pay the price?

We’ve all got the same 24 hours in a day. How we spend those hours is up to us. Are you determined to put aside time for God? Those who are willing to will soon discover the small cost of prayer is worth every minute invested.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a

[1] Presence-Filled Prayer, Day 5, www.first15.org