Pray Early And Often
Pray Early And Often | January 30, 2024
Author John Bunyan once wisely observed, "He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day."
It's not that God is ducking or hiding; it's more that we get distracted during the day. Whether it's our daily responsibilities or mismanagement of time, the day has a way of slipping away. There are even seasons in life when struggles divert our attention, wear us down, and stifle our awareness of prayer.
According to the Bible, the most prudent and productive strategy for prayer is to pray early and often.
Notice first the example of praying early. Psalm 5:1-2 says, "O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. 3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."
An excellent start to your day should include talking to God. Like any healthy communication, it should consist of speaking but also listening. You can use Scriptures like the ones mentioned in this devotional to assist you in getting into a mindset of prayer. You can also include the many thoughts or worries that flood your mind first thing in the morning. Like David, who authored this Psalm, make this prayer about the Lord. Also, you can even include singing and, if applicable, an instrument sometimes, as David did. The main point is to begin your day with prayer.
Secondly, be sure to seek God early and throughout the day. Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
I like to set reminders on my phone for prayer. It may be a family member, something I heard about at church, or saw on my newsfeed. The point is to be creative and proactive, or you will miss the opportunities to engage in prayer.
Remember that the old foes of procrastination and pride will push back on this practical plan to pray. Thus, double down and be diligent in this crucial habit because you will never regret talking to your heavenly Father early and often!
It's not that God is ducking or hiding; it's more that we get distracted during the day. Whether it's our daily responsibilities or mismanagement of time, the day has a way of slipping away. There are even seasons in life when struggles divert our attention, wear us down, and stifle our awareness of prayer.
According to the Bible, the most prudent and productive strategy for prayer is to pray early and often.
Notice first the example of praying early. Psalm 5:1-2 says, "O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. 3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."
An excellent start to your day should include talking to God. Like any healthy communication, it should consist of speaking but also listening. You can use Scriptures like the ones mentioned in this devotional to assist you in getting into a mindset of prayer. You can also include the many thoughts or worries that flood your mind first thing in the morning. Like David, who authored this Psalm, make this prayer about the Lord. Also, you can even include singing and, if applicable, an instrument sometimes, as David did. The main point is to begin your day with prayer.
Secondly, be sure to seek God early and throughout the day. Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
I like to set reminders on my phone for prayer. It may be a family member, something I heard about at church, or saw on my newsfeed. The point is to be creative and proactive, or you will miss the opportunities to engage in prayer.
Remember that the old foes of procrastination and pride will push back on this practical plan to pray. Thus, double down and be diligent in this crucial habit because you will never regret talking to your heavenly Father early and often!
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